AMP chief economist Shane Oliver declares that high immigration is to blame for Australia’s housing crisis – and warns numbers need to be capped now before it’s too late

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver declares that high immigration is to blame for Australia’s housing crisis – and warns numbers need to be capped now before it’s too late

A Referendum Fraught with Controversy

As Australia prepares for an upcoming referendum scheduled for October 14, the nation finds itself embroiled in a controversy that has polarized public opinion. The referendum aims to establish an advisory indigenous Voice to parliament, a move that has been both praised as a step towards greater representation and criticized as a divisive measure. The controversy intensified following remarks made by Aboriginal academic Marcia Langton, who helped shape this policy.

Langton’s comments, perceived as branding those planning to vote against the Voice as “stupid and racist,” have sparked a backlash reminiscent of similar controversies in other democratic nations. While Langton has clarified that her criticism was targeted at the arguments against the Voice rather than the voters themselves, the damage was already done. The controversy has drawn parallels to the infamous “basket of deplorables” comment made by Hillary Clinton during the 2016 US presidential election.

Voicing Opposition to the Voice

The proposed constitutional change has met significant opposition, with polls suggesting that the majority of voters are against the Voice. This opposition has ignited a debate over whether it reflects widespread racism within the Australian populace, as implied by Langton’s comments.

However, critics argue that the opposition to the Voice is based not only on racism but also on disillusionment with the political establishment. Many voters are skeptical of the efficacy of an advisory body and question whether the proposed Voice will significantly improve the living conditions of indigenous Australians. The proposal has also been criticized for focusing on race, potentially exacerbating racial tensions in a time of social crisis and high inflation.

Political Dynamics and the Role of Race

The proposal for the Voice was a central tenet of the political platform of the Labor government, elected in May 2022. The policy was presented as a progressive measure aimed at addressing the historical injustices suffered by the Aboriginal population. However, the current opposition to the Voice is seen as a reflection of public disillusionment with the Labor government and its policies.

The controversy also involves Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal National Coalition, who leads the official “No” campaign. Dutton has been accused of subtly promoting anti-Aboriginal sentiments, though he has maintained a low profile, seemingly waiting for the Voice proposal to fail without his direct involvement.

The Multi-faceted Controversy

The controversy surrounding the proposed constitutional inclusion of an indigenous Voice to parliament is multi-faceted. While some see the opposition as a sign of widespread racism, others argue that it reflects broader disillusionment with the political establishment and skepticism over the efficacy of advisory bodies.

The debate also involves questions about the role of race in politics and the potential for such policies to exacerbate racial tensions. As the October 14 referendum approaches, it is clear that the discussion around the Voice and its implications for the Australian constitution, the Aboriginal population, and the nation as a whole, will continue to be a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.