Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Qantas’ commitment to the Voice.Credit:Louie Douvis
Qantas is one of many big companies that have endorsed the Indigenous Voice to parliament,but there are growing fears within the Yes camp that its message is failing to cut through the noise created by the No campaign.
Indigenous leader Noel Pearson said the only way to dispel arguments against the Voice was to concentrate on the proposed constitutional amendment itself.
“Let’s look at the actual words. They’re beautiful words which would grace our Constitution ... My advice to everyone joining us over the next couple of months is to take everybody to the wording of the amendment the prime minister has put through parliament,” Pearson said.
Separately,a Telstra spokesperson said it was committed to reconciliation through the Voice and was working closely with the Yes23 campaign.
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“Contributing to a successful referendum is not just a matter of social responsibility,it is an investment in a sustainable and resilient future for our country. We are working closely with the campaigns to understand their needs and the ways we can help. We have provided some practical support including mobile connectivity,and we will consider appropriate options to continue our support.”
Commonwealth Bank chief Matt Comyn said in an interview last week that the bank was supportive of the Voice but would not tell people how to vote.
“We have maintained a commitment for some time,and we’re supportive of the Indigenous Voice to parliament. That continues to be our view. We recognise what’s at stake;we recognise that there are differing views. Our role,of course is to provide education internally,not to tell people how to vote. We’re in close contact with both our Indigenous employees and our Indigenous advisory council – we’re looking to participate and support where appropriate.”
Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin,former Australian of the year Adam Goodes and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney also appeared at the Qantas event.
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