Mental health services urge politicians to make ‘respectful referendum pledge’ amid deteriorating Voice debate
Politicians of all stripes have been urged to take part in a “respectful referendum pledge” to protect First Nations mental health amid the increasingly hostile Voice in Parliament debate.
The Black Dog Institute has partnered with some of Australia’s most prolific First Nations mental health groups to discourage political divisions around Voice.
Advocates have warned the government that the ongoing debate is having negative impacts on the “social and emotional well-being” of First Nations people.
The group behind this campaign compared the treatment of Indigenous Australians to that of LGBTQI+ people during the same-sex marriage plebiscite.
“We are already seeing firsthand the negative impacts of the debate in our communities,” said Dr. Clinton Schultz, a Gamilaroi man and director of First Nations Partnership and Strategy at the Black Dog Institute.
Politicians of all stripes have been urged to take part in a “respectful referendum pledge” to protect First Nations mental health during the increasingly hostile Voice in Parliament debate.
Advocates have warned the government that the ongoing debate is having negative impacts on the “social and emotional well-being” of First Nations people.
Dr Schultz said there had been a slight increase in “psychological distress, an increased need for support and an increased use of mental health services” during the referendum campaign so far.
“This referendum is an essential conversation that we should not avoid. But we must be aware of the risks associated with the debate and be proactive in reducing its potential damage.
Of the $364.6 million the government set aside in the 2023 budget to organize the Voice in Parliament referendum, $10.5 million was allocated specifically for mental health support.
The money was earmarked for the Department of Health and Aged Care to protect the mental health of indigenous people ahead of the referendum.
The “Respectful Referendum Pledge” will ask politicians to adhere to seven guidelines over the next six weeks, before the October 14 election date.
These include listening to First Nations peoples and recognizing that there is no single point of view, as well as making Indigenous voices heard using the guiding principle “nothing about us, without us “.
Other commitments include “providing a safe space for First Nations advocates” and recognizing the risks associated with speaking out.
Building common ground with activists of all stripes is also seen as crucial, as is “setting the standard” for respectful debate by “avoiding personal attacks, offensive language, inflammatory statements and dismissive behavior”.
Politicians are encouraged to “use culturally appropriate language” and “build trust through action” as part of this commitment.
The “Respectful Referendum Pledge” will ask politicians to adhere to seven guidelines over the next six weeks, before the October 14 election date.
Politicians are encouraged to “use culturally appropriate language” and “build trust through action” as part of this commitment.
What are the seven commitments?
- I am committed to listening to a diversity of First Nations people to better understand First Nations histories, cultures and experiences.
- I am committed to bringing the voices of First Nations peoples to the forefront of all campaign activity relating to the voice referendum, including at events, roundtables and media engagements.
- I am committed to providing safe participation options, including the option of anonymity during media appearances and a support process during and after participation.
- I pledge to affirm the principles of the Declaration, including the rights to self-determination, equality and connection to land, community and culture. In doing so, the question is no longer “what” but “how”
- I am committed to engaging in discussions with respect and patience, being open to different points of view and experiences. I will avoid personal attacks, offensive language, inflammatory statements or dismissive behavior. I will allow time and space for negotiation, be ready to compromise and demonstrate a willingness to engage in reciprocal dialogue.
- I commit to using inclusive, strengths-based, and culturally appropriate language when referring to First Nations peoples in my campaign activities, avoiding stereotypes, generalizations, or altered language. The Australian Government’s Style Guide can provide principles to follow
- I am committed to building authentic relationships with First Nations individuals, families and communities by engaging in dialogue and attending cultural events, not as an “expert” but as a guest of the community. Beyond conversation, I pledge to actively support initiatives that advance the rights, well-being and self-determination of First Nations peoples, based on the ways of knowing, being and doing First Nations.
