Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the actions of protesters outside a major No campaign event in Adelaide, calling for a respectful debate.
South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas also called out the protesters, accusing them of harming the Yes side’s cause.
About 20 protesters gathered outside the Adelaide Convention Centre on Monday night holding signs reading “fight racism” and “no pride in genocide” while chanting “always was, always will be, Aboriginal land”.
South Australian Liberal Senator Alex Antic posted a video to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) which appeared to show him being heckled by the crowd.
At least one person could be heard yelling abusive phrases as Senator Antic walked past, including the word “racist”.
Mr Albanese said some of the tone of the debate around the Voice had been “unfortunate”.
“I condemn nasty behaviour wherever it occurs … we need to have a respectful debate,” Mr Albanese said.
“If the people shouting and protesting and calling people names at the [Adelaide] Convention Centre last night think they are changing anyone’s minds, they obviously don’t really understand human behaviour very well.
“I’ve never persuaded anyone by calling them names, so it’s crazy stuff, and I certainly don’t think it reflects where the majority of Australians are at in the course of this debate.”
Coalition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price told about 1,000 attendees of the event that Indigenous supporters of the No campaign were being singled out for their stance against the Voice.
(ABC)
