Voice can close economic gap for Indigenous Australians, says Julian Leeser

Former Liberal frontbencher supports referendum as a way of getting First Nations people to the same starting line' as other Australians

• Read our voice referendum explainer and see the latest voice poll results
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Liberal MP Julian Leeser says a voice to parliament is not about special treatment or privileges" but about getting Indigenous Australians to the same starting line that other Australians are at".

Amid rising partisan rancour in the referendum debate, with his own side leading the charge for the no campaign, Leeser told parliament he supported the voice because it was a manifestation of deeply Liberal and conservative ideas".

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup