BUDGET FUNDING TO SUPPORT FIRST NATIONS MENTAL HEALTH DURING VOICE DEBATE

Credit: New Matilda.

Mental health advocates have said they are glad there is money allocated in the federal budget for supporting First Nations people before, during and after the Voice to Parliament referendum. 

The Albanese government’s budget announced last Tuesday night included $10.5 million to boost mental health support for First Nations people, as the Voice debate continues this year. 

Black Dog Institute Director of First Nations Partnerships and Strategy Clinton Shultz said he welcomes the funding and was already seeing the Voice debate impacting First Nations people across the country.

“What we’ve already been witnessing in communities is increased lateral violence, black-on-black violence, depending on if people are sitting in a yes camp or a no camp around this referendum,” he said.

“Just putting us in that direct conflict and competition with each other is damaging, particularly when we’re members of a collective-based society.”

The Black Dog Institute is creating guidelines for government and media on how to have discussions about the Voice in ways that are considerate towards vulnerable groups.

Listen to an interview with Mr Schultz: