Amid intensifying debates around the Voice to Parliament Referendum, First Nations Mental Health advocates warn of the impacts on First Nations social and emotional health, in the lead up to 14 October.

Yesterday saw a number of Australia’s leading First Nations mental health groups launch the Respectful Referendum Pledge, urging politicians to have mental health at front of mind.

The Respectful Referendum Pledge includes a set of principles to reduce negative impacts to First Nations people throughout the referendum debates.

Support is available for First Nations people: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76

Image: Flickr-Greens-MPs-CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0

Produced By: Emma Wotzke

Featured In Story: Dr Clinton Schultz – Psychologist and Director of First Nations partnership and strategy at the Black Dog Institute.

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 7 September 2023