Statement Concerning Misinformation and Bias in Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s Public Remarks

We at the Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health, along with undersigned stand united in rejecting the harmful rhetoric and misleading statements made by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Her recent claims, particularly that violence is inherent to Aboriginal culture, are both factually incorrect and damaging to the well-being and dignity of Aboriginal communities. We invite everyone who opposes racism and supports justice to join us by signing this petition and standing up for truth and respect.

Senator Price conveniently overlooks the systemic, socio-economic, and historical factors that contribute to violence in all communities while misrepresenting the complexities of violence, focusing on culture as the primary cause when the reality is far more nuanced.

Dr. Tracy Westerman, a Psychologist and Nyamal woman is a recognised leader in Indigenous mental health who has been vocal about the significant dangers of linking violence to cultural identity. In her recent article, Dr. Westerman underscores the critical flaw in Senator Price's rhetoric, explaining that such a narrative is not only scientifically unfounded but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes. "Violence is a human issue, not a Black person issue," Dr. Westerman states. She goes on to explain that the systemic drivers of violence in Aboriginal communities include poverty, substance abuse, lack of access to services, and the compounded effects of historical trauma.

Moreover, there is significant bias in the data and research often used to support these claims where many studies have failed to capture the full picture of intimate partner violence within Aboriginal communities, especially the fact that many Aboriginal women who experience intimate partner violence are married to non-Indigenous men. Ignoring this critical fact distorts the conversation and reinforces a harmful and inaccurate portrayal of Aboriginal men as the sole perpetrators of violence.  The assumption that Indigenous men are the sole perpetrator of this violence is misleading, and this narrative has a lasting, harmful impact on both Aboriginal men and women.

In 2018 Senator Price was criticised by Aboriginal people for her divisive and disrespectful remarks stating that those were hurtful, and that cultural protocols need to be adhered to when discussing matters relating to Aboriginal people and their communities.  

Senator Price has asserted that colonisation has had no ongoing negative impacts on Aboriginal people, suggesting that if intergenerational trauma were valid, descendants of convicts would also be affected.  We refute this statement based on evidence by emphasising that the nature and extent of trauma experienced by Aboriginal peoples are distinct and profound. The documented historical events such as massacres, forced removals, and systemic racism as significant contributors to the trauma experienced by Aboriginal communities. To further highlight the complete disregard of the atrocities inflicted on our ancestors (which are well documented), Senator Price has proposed plans to change cultural heritage laws in Australia expressing this, “will inhibit people from manufacturing Dreaming Stories”.  We urge those who believe Senator Price speaks for Aboriginal people to listen to the voices of Aboriginal people themselves, who are speaking out about the damage her rhetoric is causing. Ultimately, it is Aboriginal people who must live with the consequences of Senator Price’s statements, and the harm cannot be ignored.

We vehemently reject the ongoing attempts to scapegoat Indigenous peoples in the political discourse. The approach taken by Senator Price demonstrates a clear disregard for the lived experiences of Aboriginal people and we resoundingly reject her leadership.  This was evident in her opposition of constitutionally enshrining a voice to parliament which denied all Aboriginal people the right to have a say on our own affairs that relate to law and policies which directly affect our communities.  

As organisations committed to the health, well-being, and cultural safety of Aboriginal communities, we call for a more considered and respectful discourse that focuses on evidence-based solutions rather than harmful stereotypes. We urge all political leaders, policy makers, and the media to engage with Aboriginal communities and experts in a manner that acknowledges the complexities of violence, embraces the truth of our history, and fosters healing, not division.

For Endorsement:  

We invite other organisations, leaders, and individuals to join us in standing against the spread of misinformation and bias, and in advocating for a future where Aboriginal voices, research, and lived experiences are at the forefront of the conversation.