30 January, 2025

I am aware of a video that has been circulating on social media since 26 January 2025 and would like to address the impact that this has had on individuals and communities alike.

Unfortunately in today’s environment, post the 2023 Voice Referendum, social media and other platforms have allowed racism to become normal practice. I by no means condone the actions of this young man, the language used via a voice-over/soundbite on his personal Snapchat account, is absolutely atrocious and breaks my heart, I also cannot condone answering hate with hate. We need to take a step back, breathe and put this whole situation into perspective.

I have spoken with the young man and his parents. He is extremely remorseful for his actions. His family are devastated by them as well and do not share the sentiment of the video at all. He has made a mistake, a very grave mistake which has offended many Aboriginal nations across Australia, but all in all, a mistake. The feelings of hate towards us as Aboriginal people, custodians of the land on which we live work and care for, the promotion of violence against us, is all so very very wrong in every sense of the word. However, the vitriol that is being shown towards this man, his family and his extended family is also very very wrong.

We should be using this as an opportunity to educate our younger generations on why these types of words and sentiments hurt us so much. We should be taking this young man under our wing and offering him a different way of viewing us, not threatening his life or the lives of his family or members of the footy club.  How are we to create a nation of acceptance, love and understanding if we continue to answer hate with hate? I’m not telling anyone else how to feel, be angry by all means, but please don’t resort to violence. Violence is not the answer.

My son-in-law messaged me the night of the incident and said “remember Lee, there are more people against this type of behaviour than for it” and he is absolutely right. Let’s use those allies and friends to help spread love, knowledge and understanding, let’s not encourage young people to incite violence on individuals or encourage individuals to end their own lives. What does that achieve but more heartbreak and loss??

I implore all those that have been affected negatively by this video to reach out to loved ones and have a conversation, it has taken a huge toll on our mental health. Can we please fight this with love in our hearts instead of hate and give this young man a chance to learn and grow from his mistake. And while we’re at it, let’s hold the government accountable for their lack of action against these social media soundbites being publicly available and taking the “race war” to the political stage to encourage poor behaviour.