Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to take a positive approach to the proposed indigenous voice to federal parliament. The Bug spoke to Mr Dutton about his plans for the new year.

The Bug: Thanks for agreeing to this interview. I know we haven’t got much time so let’s start by….

PD: Yes, it’s about time the Albanese Government started tackling this problem. It has had almost eight months in office and it has failed to solve this and the many other huge problems facing our nation. It’s too preoccupied with left-wing, woke causes. It has failed just as I said it would.

The Bug: Ummm, I hadn’t actually finished my…. Hang on, what problem?

PD: Exactly. It can’t even see the problem. It has had almost eight months in office and it has failed to solve this and the many other huge problems faced by our nation. It’s too preoccupied with left-wing, woke causes to do anything effective or deliver on its promises. It has failed just as I said it would.

The Bug: Let’s move on….

PD: I totally agree. If only the Albanese Government would move on this problem. It’s had almost eight months in office and it has failed to solve……

The Bug: If I could….

PD: ….this and the many other problems facing our nation. It’s too preoccupied ….

The Bug: Let me just….

PD: ……with left-wing, woke causes. It has failed just as I said it would.

The Bug: Finished?

PD: Yes.

The Bug: Right. Now….

PD: Right now the Albanese Government is finished. I agree. It has had almost eight months in office and it has failed to solve this problem. It’s been too preoccupied with left-wing, woke causes ……

The Bug: Mr Dutton!

PD: …..to do anything effective or deliver on its promises. It has failed just as I said it would.

The Bug: (yelling) Mr Dutton!

PD: Yes?

The Bug: I was trying to ask if you thought you were being too negative as Opposition Leader and if you had thought of taking a more positive approach in 2023?

PD: I am positive

The Bug: You are?

PD: I am positive that opposing the Albanese Government is the right thing to do. After all it has had almost eight months ……

The Bug: (interrupting) Can I ask specifically about your position on the voice to parliament? Aren’t you at risk of being seen to be too negative about it, and indeed most other issues?

PD: Look, all I am doing is asking for the Prime Minister to outline the full details of the voice and how it would work.

The Bug: So you just want information? And once you get that information, what then?

PD: Once I get all the information I need about the voice I’ll be in a much better position to oppose it.

The Bug: Isn’t that just another example of what I asked you about – the negative approach you take to every issue, including the voice? Can’t you say something positive about it?

PD: Yes, you’re right. I should have said that I am positive that once I get all the information about the voice I will positively oppose it.

The Bug: The former Liberal Party minister for indigenous affairs, Ken Wyatt, has called on you to provide a conscience vote to your MPs on the voice?

PD: What’s that?

The Bug: A conscience vote?

PD: No. What’s a conscience?

The Bug: Thanks for your time.

PD: Speaking of time, the Albanese Government has had almost eight months in office and it has failed to solve this problem. It’s been too preoccupied …… (recorder turned off)