An open letter from Renae Isaacs-Guthridge, Noongar and Yamatji Yorga with connections across Countries, including Wardandi Boodja.
The recent controversy surrounding Jacinta Price's uninvited visit to Wardandi Country represents a deliberate political tactic to reignite divisive Voice referendum debates in a community still healing from that trauma. This calculated decision to bring inflammatory rhetoric into our communities without consultation is not accidental—it's part of a pattern designed to provoke reactions that can then be mischaracterised as "activism" or "divisiveness."
Let me be absolutely clear: pointing out the harm caused by these actions is not being "political" or "divisive"—it is asserting our fundamental right to exist free from harm. It is those who deliberately ignore established protocols and bring known-divisive figures to Country without consultation who are stirring up trouble, not those who respond to defend cultural protocols and community wellbeing.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Price's position on Invasion is as painful and offensive as the views of a Holocaust denier might be for a Jewish person. When political figures strategically amplify such views in our communities without proper consultation, they knowingly re-traumatise people who are still recovering from the documented harm of previous political debates and policies.
The evidence of this harm is unequivocal. During the Voice referendum, Indigenous crisis support service 13YARN reported a disturbing 108 percent increase in callers reporting abuse, racism and trauma.
Dr Clinton Schultz, Gamilaroi/Gomeroi man and Director of First Nations Strategy at Black Dog Institute, has emphasised that "more than ever," commentary from politicians must be "accurate, respectful and mindful of the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations communities".
The Respectful Election Guidelines co-developed by the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA), Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, Thirrili and Black Dog Institute, provide clear direction that political leaders should follow:
- Setting standards for respectful debate that remains open to diverse viewpoints and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
- Promoting truth and honesty by sharing accurate information and avoiding stereotypes
- Prioritising wellbeing by recognising the potential impact of words when discussing issues related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Fostering unity through conversations that bring people together
- Leading by example in upholding these principles
Traditional Owners have the right to determine who is welcomed onto Country. Had there been an attempt to reach out, a Welcome could possibly have been extended, but instead, this visit represents a calculated political manoeuvre that forces communities to endure another unwelcome intrusion.
Senator Michaelia Cash's manufactured outrage attempts to frame the defense of cultural protocols as somehow unreasonable, when in fact it is the deliberate circumvention of these protocols that constitutes the true provocation. The racist comments now flooding social media in response to my initial statement reveal the actual intent behind these political tactics—to create division and direct hostility toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who dare to speak up.
This is about the fundamental right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have our cultural protocols respected and to exist free from the psychological harm that research has proven results from such divisive political tactics.
As Dr Schultz notes, political leaders have a choice "to either perpetuate division or drive meaningful dialogue". Those who choose the former must be held accountable for the documented harm their actions cause to our communities.
Thank you,
Renae Isaacs-Guthridge
Noongar and Yamatji Yorga with connections across Countries, including Wardandi Boodja.
