Mental health services plead politicians to take a ‘Respectful Referendum Pledge’ amid deteriorating Voice debate

Politicians from across the spectrum have been urged to take part in a ‘Respectful Referendum Pledge’ to protect First Nations people’s mental health during the increasingly hostile Voice to Parliament debate.

The Black Dog Institute has teamed up with some of Australia’s most prolific First Nations mental health groups to discourage divisive politicking over the Voice.

Advocates have been warning the government that the ongoing debate is having negative impacts on the ‘social and emotional wellbeing’ of First Nations peoples.

The group behind the push has compared the treatment of Indigenous Australians to that of LGBTQI+ people during the same-sex marriage plebiscite.

‘We are already seeing first-hand the negative impacts of the debate in our communities, Dr Clinton Schultz, a Gamilaroi man and Director of First Nations Partnership and Strategy at the Black Dog Institute, said.

Politicians from across the spectrum have been urged to take part in a ‘Respectful Referendum Pledge’ to protect First Nations’ mental health during the increasingly hostile Voice to Parliament debate

Advocates have been warning the government that the ongoing debate is having negative impacts on the ‘social and emotional wellbeing’ of First Nations peoples

Dr Schultz said there had been an uptick in ‘psychological distress, increased need for support and increased use of mental health services’ over the course of the referendum campaign so far.

‘This Referendum is a much-needed conversation that we should not shy away from. But we should be aware of the risks involved in having the debate and be proactive in reducing its potential harms.’ 

Of the $364.6million the government set aside in the 2023 Budget to deliver the Voice to Parliament referendum, $10.5million was allocated specifically to mental health supports.

The money was assigned to the Department of Health and Aged care to protect mental health for Aboriginal people in the lead up to the referendum. 

The ‘Respectful Referendum Pledge’ will ask politicians to abide by seven guidelines over the next six weeks, ahead of the October 14 polling date.

These include listening to First Nations people and acknowledging that there is no one correct perspective, as well as elevating Indigenous Voices using the guiding principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’.

Further pledges are to ‘provide a safe space for First Nations advocates’ and acknowledging risks associated with speaking out. 

Building common ground with campaigners from across the spectrum is also considered crucial, as is ‘setting the standard’ for respectful debate by ‘avoiding personal attacks, offensive language, inflammatory statements and dismissive behaviour’.

Politicians are encouraged to ‘use culturally appropriate language’ and to ‘build trust through action’ as part of the pledge.

The ‘Respectful Referendum Pledge’ will ask politicians to abide by seven guidelines over the next six weeks, ahead of the October 14 polling date.

Politicians are encouraged to ‘use culturally appropriate language’ and to ‘build trust through action’ as part of the pledge.

What are the seven pledges?

• I pledge to listen to a diversity of First Nations peoples to better understand First Nations histories, cultures and experiences
• I pledge to put the voices of First Nations people at the forefront of any campaign activities relating to the Voice Referendum, including in events, panel discussions and media engagements
•  I pledge to provide safe options for participation, including the option for anonymity in media appearances and a process for support 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 becomes not ‘what’ but ‘how’
• I pledge to engage in discussions with respect and patience, being open to different viewpoints and experiences. I will avoid personal attacks, offensive language, inflammatory statements, or dismissive behaviour. I will allow time and space for negotiation, be prepared to compromise and display a willingness to engage in reciprocal dialogue
• I pledge to use inclusive, strength-based and culturally appropriate language when referring to First Nations peoples in my campaigning activities, avoiding stereotypes, generalisations or othering language. The Australian Government’s Style Guide can provide principles to adhere to
• I pledge to build 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 to the community. Beyond conversation, I pledge to actively support initiatives that promote the rights, well-being, and self-determination of First Nations peoples, based on First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing