Following the successful passage of the Statewide Treaty Bill through the Victorian lower house, the upper house is expected to debate the historic Bill this week.
In preparation for the debate, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is encouraging First Peoples to take care as they expect a rise in misinformation and racist comments during the debate.
Assembly Co-chair and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg said that, as Victoria gets closer to signing Australia’s first Treaty with First Peoples, the usual suspects are ramping up their efforts to peddle misinformation.
“This Bill is just the next step in a decade long journey to Treaty, yet the same old media commentators and fringe lobby groups are pushing misinformation, repeating their tired, racist talking points and using international troll farms in a desperate bid to spread fear and doubts, trying to stop genuine practical progress for First Peoples,” Rueben said.
“They claim to care about our people but time and again they oppose any change that would help our communities thrive.
“Treaty is simply about getting better outcomes for First Peoples. It recognises that Aboriginal people are the experts on our own lives and makes sure we can use our knowledge and experience to create practical solutions that actually work for our local communities.”
Ahead of this week, the Assembly has made a contribution to 13YARN, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, to back their critical work.
Assembly Co-chair and Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman Ngarra Murray encouraged First Peoples to take care of themselves during this heightened period of debate.
“With Treaty and First Peoples set to be back in the headlines this week, I encourage mob to take care of yourselves and each other and stay safe. Let’s stand strong in who we are and continue to look out for one another,” Ngarra said.
“You don’t have to read the comments section if you don’t want to. If you need support or a safe space to yarn, give 13YARN a call.”
13YARN’s Marjorie Anderson said the support line wants people to know that they can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 any time of the day or night and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who will take the time to listen.
“It’s culturally safe, it’s free, it’s confidential and it’s anonymous – you can have a yarn about whatever is going on with you right now – no shame, no judgement,” Marjorie said.
Ngarra also encouraged allies to be active in their support of Treaty this week.
“Allies, we’re stronger when we’re together. If you support Treaty and progress for First Peoples, please speak up. Have a chat with your family, friends or colleagues about why you’re walking with us on this Treaty journey, and post about Treaty and what it means on your social media.
“If you see some misinformation or something racist, call it out and encourage people to get their information from a trusted source. Every voice of support matters.”
You can donate to support 13 YARN here.
