A heated encounter unfolded between incumbent Matt Burnell and Liberal candidate Daniel Wild at the Munno Para polling station during pre-polling in the electoral seat of Spence. This area, currently represented by Labor with a significant margin of 12.9 percent, recorded the highest “no” vote in Labor-held seats during the recent 2023 Voice referendum.
The dispute ignited following Wild’s claims about Labor’s intentions concerning the proposed Voice to parliament. He referenced comments made by Senator Penny Wong, suggesting the Voice’s inevitability. Burnell sharply rebuffed Wild, labelling his remarks as “absolute rubbish” and based on falsehoods.
Despite the clash, both candidates acknowledged the exchange as a normal aspect of electoral competition. Burnell emphasised the importance of his role, stating, “The stakes are always high, and I’m going to fight for my community.” Wild characterised the confrontation as typical political behaviour, indicative of Labor’s desperation.
Burnell also expressed acceptance of the community’s decision based on the referendum results, saying, “The people have spoken… it’s time for us to move forward.”
The Australian Electoral Commission confirmed that there were no official complaints regarding the incident. The potential impact of the sentiments from the Voice referendum on the upcoming election remains uncertain.