Indigenous people threatened for sharing views on the Voice referendum

A leader of the Sunshine Coast’s Yes campaign has opened up on the threats and nastiness some Indigenous supporters are receiving as early voting begins.

Indigenous members of the Sunshine Coast community have revealed some of the “toxic backlash” they’ve received after showing their support for the Voice.

It’s understood that the family of a prominent Indigenous figure on the Sunshine Coast had threats made against them in the lead up to the Voice referendum vote on Saturday, October 14.

Reports have also emerged of Yes campaign signs being torn down and stolen across the region.

Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group Chair and Sunshine Coast for Yes captain Fiona McGill said several Indigenous people reported experiencing “abuse and derision” for expressing their support.

The polling booth at the Millwell Road Community Centre. Picture: Iwan Jones

“Many are trying to keep a low profile as they are experiencing nastiness and vitriol,” Ms McGill said.

“An Indigenous friend told us that he is receiving threats on social media against him and his family.

“One of our members told us that at her church, an acknowledgement of country was given and members of the congregation yelled out in opposition.”

“There is an orchestrated campaign to remove Yes corflutes, with star pickets being sawn off, corflutes stolen night after night.

“This doesn’t normally happen at election time.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney MP and Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group Chair Fiona McGill. Picture: Supplied

Ms McGill said there was a sense of tension within the community.

“It seems there is a large swell of anger and nastiness that has been unleashed in the community,” she said.

“This is not the friendly and pleasant place that I call my home.”

The revelations follow the opening of pre-polling booths, with eligible early voters lining up in droves to have their say.

Prominent Indigenous leader and Yes campaigner Noel Pearson with Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group committee members Fiona McGill, Mandy Lupton, Noela Hall, and Naomi McQueen. Picture: Supplied

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace, a supporter of the No campaign, encouraged residents that felt inclined to share their views on the Voice, to do so respectfully.

“As we have seen on the Sunshine Coast, fair-minded and well-meaning Australians will have differing views and can have civil and respectful debate on matters of national character such as these,” Mr Wallace said.

“But when you have national campaign leaders like Marcia Langton labelling No voters as racist and stupid, we can’t be surprised that tensions are running high, particularly online where anonymity reduces accountability.

“It is disappointing that most Australians agree on recognition and seek a better way forward for positive health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but we have been presented with this divisive Voice proposal which won’t help our most marginalised Australians.

“We call on the Prime Minister to take seriously his responsibility to bring the country together instead of tearing it apart.”

Referendum voting day will take place on Saturday, October 14, with polling places to be open from 8am to 6pm.

Originally published as Indigenous people threatened for sharing views on the Voice referendum