BATHURST legend Larry Perkins has publicly indicated he plans to renounce his Motorsport Australia membership in the wake of the organisation’s push behind the Yes vote.
MA recently confirmed its stance on the matter, following similar declarations from sporting codes including the AFL and NRL.
“Motorsport Australia is proud to join with other major sporting bodies in Australia to support the constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians though The Voice Referendum,” it posted via LinkedIn.
“Sport brings Australians together, irrespective of identity, background or race.
“Motorsport Australia values a future that is inclusive of all Australians, within our sport and within the Australian community.
“We urge a respectful and informed discussion in this important year. #Yes23.”
That stance has not gone down well with Perkins, a Motorsport Australia Hall of Famer.
Perkins spoke out this afternoon via Melbourne talkback radio show 3AW, declaring MA has no right to do so.
“I don’t mind them supporting a referendum but you can’t take sides in this,” said the six-time Great Race winner.
“It’s a divisive subject before we even start, it’s divided now by race, it will do nothing for the indigenous population at all and to be honest, they have already got say over almost everything that happens in Australia and they can be elected like anyone else and indeed they are elected like anyone else.”
Asked about plans to renounce his MA membership, Perkins added: “Well I have tried to contact them today to let them know that this is what I will do in protest of them taking this political stance.
“Motorsport Australia for 70 years has been a proud non-political organisation and anything to do with politics is banned on race cars et cetera, but they have turned that over.
“What’s the next thing they’re going to take sides with? I have been a member for over 50 years.”
Supercars will hold its annual Indigenous Round next month at the Darwin Triple Crown.
