VACCHO Condemns Dutton’s Culture War Against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Dec 10, 2024

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is disappointed by Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s lack of political vision for Australia’s future, by using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as a culture war smokescreen.

Mr Dutton’s baffling election pledge to not stand with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags behind him should he be elected Prime Minister next year blatantly seeks to promote the very division he is pretending to address.

“Australians, and especially our Prime Minister, should take pride in the fact that we have the oldest living culture in the world. A vibrant and rich culture that is 65,000 years strong – a culture we should all feel proud to have access to,” VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO said.

“Rather than ignore our history, we should stand up and be proud of Indigenous culture, because it is a gift for all Australians.”

“Mr Dutton’s comments only create further confusion and division in this country at a time when we should be coming together as one.” Dr Gallagher said.

Mr Dutton’s remarks come as no surprise given his long history of pursuing relevance by trodding on strong and resilient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.

Meanwhile, he refuses to answer questions about what he can deliver for Australia or outline any form of meaningful policy – evidenced by his headline-grabbing, detail-free, nuclear energy policy.

“The Federal Coalition is bankrupt of ideas,” Dr Gallagher said, “it is clear as Australia approaches a Federal Election next year, that Mr Dutton has no answer for addressing the housing crisis nor the economic strain faced by Australians every day,.”

Dr Gallagher advised he should spend more time in both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the general community to learn about what all Australians are asking for: a roof over their head, a good school for their kids, and affordable, healthy food on their table.

Media enquiries

For further media enquiries please email communications@vaccho.org.au or contact our media unit on (03) 9411 9411.

Background 

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 33 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.