Liberal Leader Peter Dutton showed exactly how low he’s capable of going this week, when he sought to “undermine” faith in Australia’s electoral system by questioning longstanding rules about ballot papers.
On Monday, a day before the October 14 date of the referendum was announced by PM Anthony Albanese, Dutton and several Liberal Ministers ramped up their divisive strategy, claiming that the Australian Electoral Commission’s policy that ticks are counted for yes votes but crosses not counted for no votes, was rigged. This is despite the policy having been in place for 30 years and used under two previous referendums– both led by coalition governments.
The policy, widely regarded as a “savings provision” to ensure voters who incorrectly mark the ballot will still have their vote counted if their intention is clear, is watertight. The referendum ballot paper clearly asks people to write “yes” or “no” on their vote.
Despite this, Dutton raised an alarm about the provision being an “effective gerrymander”, adding, “just make it a fair process instead of trying to load the system and trying to skew it in favour of the ‘yes’ vote.”
His words were designed to instil fear and apprehension in the Australian public, but his intent sank well below standard political games.
After watching what played out in the US, with former President Donald Trump claiming his election loss to Joe Biden was rigged, most responsible politicians are forever wary. Trump’s antidemocratic tyranny incited chaos and carnage across America. People fought, people died and the damage was irreversible.
But rather than paying heed to the lessons of recent history, Dutton made the call instead, to adopt the Trumpian approach. It highlighted just how far he’s willing to sink to gain a modicum of influence.
By insinuating that there are similar nefarious tactics being employed by the government ahead of The Voice referendum, Dutton actively willed Australians to distrust our democracy. He also willed Australians to take issue with the outcome of The Voice if it passes through.
What trauma is that likely to cause First Nations communities?
“To have a federal opposition leader try to undermine the legitimacy of our electoral system is a new low, even for him,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
And make no mistake, Peter Dutton’s shovel is still firmly in grasp.