Ben Fordham clashes with Albo over the Voice to Parliament
Ben Fordham has clashed with Anthony Albanese over the logistics of the Voice to Parliament in a fiery 40 minute interview.
The radio shock jock interrogated the prime minister over how much influence the Voice will have if it is voted in by the public, with the pair clashing live on air.
In the blistering interview, Fordham asked Albo about flagging support for the Voice to parliament and whether the model of Indigenous recognition and advisory body should be changed.
“We know that when the Voice asks for something that you don't like, you’re going to say no anyway, so why not lead at a time like this and don’t risk the very important recognition in the constitution for Indigenous Australians by getting it tied up with the Voice?” Mr Fordham asked.
“When you have a look at those numbers, it's falling through the floor, so why not use your power as Prime Minister … legislate the voice and let us vote on recognition.”
The referendum, which would enshrine the advisory body in the constitution, will be put to the people later this year despite a decline in support reflected in recent opinion polls.
Albo didn't hold back to Fordham's line of questioning, encouraging him to "get on board" with the change, and reiterated the radio host had the responsibility to not raise “red herrings” on his program about the reality of what the Voice could offer.
“You know full well when this is successful and there is a Voice, you know it won’t have a veto (on government policy),” the Prime Minister began.
“I understand, but I’m worried about it failing,” the radio host quipped back.
“Well get on board Ben. Guess what. You’re in a position to make a difference and (fight) to help it succeed, as (are) other people in the media, by talking what it’s about, not by raising things that are not going to be relevant.”
In recent months, the government has faced a barrage of questions from the opposition about the extent of influence the Voice will have, should Australians agree to establish the body in a vote at the end of the year.
Fordham continued his questions as he asked if the Voice would have certain powers, which have been outlined by the "yes" campaign.
“I wonder if you agree with them on some of the following points … yes or no, will the voice be able to speak directly to the RBA?” the radio host asked.
“I can't talk directly to the RBA board and I’m the Prime Minister … Can I just make this point because I know where you’re reading from. You’re reading from the ‘no’ pamphlet,” Mr Albanese responded.
Mr Fordham hit back and slammed the Labor leader for accusing him of not doing his own homework, saying, “Excuse me Prime Minister … I'm reading from my own questions that I have written so I don’t misquote people.”
Albanese concluded his rant, slamming much of the media coverage around the Voice, and condemning many seemingly irrelevant conversations around the matter, saying, “We have had a debate about things that aren’t happening rather than about things that are.”
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