Surprise as the party’s National MP resigns over his opposition to the Indigenous Voice before Parliament: “It’s just not right”
- Federal MP for Kalar Andrew G will sit in Parliament as an independent
- He announced his withdrawal from the National Party due to his opposition to the ‘Voice’.
- Mr. G said he couldn’t “fall into line behind a partisan position… I don’t agree with.”
Federal MP Andrew Gee will leave the party to be an independent after the coalition’s junior partner opposed Indigenous Vote in Parliament.
National MP Andrew Gee announced his resignation from the party and will sit in the Federal Parliament as an independent.
Gee, who represents the NSW state seat of Calary, said he was leaving the smaller Alliance party after its decision to oppose the Indigenous vote in Parliament.
I cannot reconcile the fact that every Australian will be given a free vote on the vitally important issue of The Voice, yet NDP MPs are expected to align themselves with the position of a party with which I fundamentally disagree and vote accordingly in Parliament,” he said in a statement.
While I respect my colleagues’ opinions, this is not true. I didn’t touch on the discussion within the citizens about the sound or the press conference that followed.
Federal MP Andrew G (left) has resigned from the National Party over his support for a ‘no’ vote in the Indigenous vote referendum in Parliament
Mr Gee said the recent floods in NSW that devastated rural areas “brought home” the importance of speaking up.
“Now more than ever, our region’s communities need a deputy in their corner calling for that support, regardless of the political tape of the state or the federal government,” he said.
“While I accept that compromises must be made in politics, there is a point where not speaking freely about the interests of those we represent can put them at risk.”
The coalition’s junior partner described Parliament’s vote, which is due to be put to a referendum in the second half of 2023, as divisive and the body would do little to improve Indigenous lives.
Mr. Gee split with the Patriots after the party announced its opposition to the vote, calling it “ridiculous” for him to expect him to change his position on the issue.
The federal MP said the decision had been difficult, but that he would now be able to serve his constituents “away from the constraints of the party”.
Mr Ji (left) said the decision has been difficult, but that he will now be able to serve his constituents “free from the constraints of the party”. Pictured, with Citizens leader David Littleproud (center) and former party leader Barnaby Joyce (right)
“I hope David Littleproud does well as captain of the Nationals.” He is a good man and he has my respect. Unfortunately, this issue runs deeper than the role of just one person.
“I will continue the very important work to secure a bright future for our region.”
Mr Gee was elected to the seat in 2016, having previously served in the New South Wales Parliament.
