Liberal MP says "we don't have the time" to hear from First Nations person during Voice "consultation" event

Emma Ruben
Emma Ruben Published May 4, 2023 at 12.10pm (AWST)

A New South Wales MP has told audience members at a "community consultation" for the Voice there was not enough time to hear from a First Nations man.

Liberal MP for Hughes Jenny Ware enlisted former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and broadcaster Joe Hildebrand to debate at a community forum within the Hughes electorate.

Mr Abbott is campaigning against the Voice to Parliament while Mr Hildebrand supports the Voice and said it represents a practical solution to Closing the Gap.

After nearly two hours, a member of the audience stood up and asked the MP if they could hear from a First Nations person before they leave.

Ms Ware responded by saying "we don't have the time, we simply do not have the time."

She then proceeded to ignore calls from the audience and continue in her closing speech.

"Can we please hear from a First Nations person?" "We don't have the time." - Jenny Ware MP pic.twitter.com/Eeaf03SOOf

— Hughes News (@newsinhughes) May 3, 2023

Prompted by these calls, an Aboriginal man proceeded to take to the stage to speak to the audience.

He can be heard on video saying "I think you should hear from an Aboriginal point of view, alright?" and the crowd cheers in response.

The live stream on Ms Ware's Facebook page was cut once the man began speaking.

Ms Ware told the Leader newspaper the event was already over.

Ms Ware said at the end of the event she left.

"The event was well attended by around 130 people representing a cross-section of the Hughes electorate as well as attendees from the broader community," she said.

"The Acknowledgment of Country was given by Aunty Gail Smith. I was delighted to see the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council attend the event.

"At the conclusion of the event, on the recommendation of the AFP, I left the event."

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