stephenwebb862
- Sep 28, 2023
- 2 min read

Referendum resilience

On 14 October, Australians will be asked to vote on whether Australia should change its Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia and set up a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Voice referendum has opened up debate in Australia, with much discussion about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

Some comments are hurtful. Other comments or behaviour may be against the law. In NSW, both race discrimination and racial vilification are against the law.

Anti-Discrimination NSW collaborated with Lifeline’s 13 YARN to produce a referendum resilience resource called 6 ways to look after yourself and mob during The Voice referendum debate.

It is intended to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people report discrimination and protect their mental health during The Voice referendum debate.

The guide suggests six ways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to look after themselves and mob during The Voice referendum debate:

1. Create safe boundaries

2. Use your voice to report discrimination or vilification

3. Look out for others

4. Get outdoors

5. Mute the noise on social media, and

6. Reach out if you are feeling worried or no good

Individuals who experience race discrimination or racial vilification can contact Anti-Discrimination NSW on 1800 670 812.

People who are feeling worried or no good are encouraged to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Download 6 ways to look after yourself and mob during The Voice referendum debate here https://bit.ly/3rtKq6y