Darren West accuses Australians of ‘voting with neo-Nazis’ if they vote no in referendum Indigenous Voice
A Western Australian politician has accused those who voted no in the referendum on the Indigenous voice in Parliament of siding with neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
Labor MP Darren West first made the comments on social media, then followed them up in a heated parliamentary debate.
“Racists will vote no. White supremacists will vote no,” Mr. West wrote on Facebook.
He made the comments in response to former Esperance Shire president Victoria Brown, who said in her view the referendum was dividing the country and questioned whether recognition of the country was being abused.
‘Disappointed. It’s called respect, you might want to Google it,” Mr. West told him.
Darren West (pictured left) said those voting no in the referendum on the Indigenous voice in Parliament were siding with neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
He wrote a lengthy response to a former WA Shire president who said in her view the Voice was dividing the country.
“Noel Pearson and Patrick Dodson are right. It’s time we recognized our first Australians in the Constitution.
“Those who believe that fairness, equality and social justice are the pillars of our being will vote yes.”
“The question is: whose side are you on?
Prime Minister Roger Cooke said the remarks were “not good language to use”.
But in Parliament, Mr West stepped up his efforts when Liberal MP Steve Thomas introduced a motion on Wednesday calling on the Labor-majority legislature to object to Voice because there is not enough information and it “would divide the country permanently.”
“(Dr Thomas) pointed out that not everyone who votes no is racist, and he is right,” Mr West said, reports The West Australian.
“Not everyone who votes no is a white supremacist. The member is right.
“Not everyone who votes no is a Nazi. You are right, but you vote with them. It’s who you vote with. It is important.’
Mr West later withdrew his comments.
Yes voters take to the streets of Sydney this weekend (photo)
WA Premier Roger Cooke (left) said Mr West’s (right) comments were neither “appropriate” nor “respectful”.
Prime Minister Cook called the comments inappropriate or “respectful” and said Voice should be an “opportunity for Australians to come together”.
Opposition Leader Shane Love agreed, saying politicians should listen to their communities rather than lecture and that debate should remain respectful rather than just name-calling.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr West for comment.
