Deadly Questions – You Ask, Aboriginal Victorians Answer

Victorians can now learn more about Aboriginal culture and history with the launch of the Deadly Questions campaign.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins joined Deadly Questions campaign champions in Federation Square today to mark the start of the campaign.

As the Parliament considers Australia’s first Treaty Bill, Victorian people want to know more about the unique culture and history of Aboriginal people.

Deadly Questions gives non-Aboriginal Victorians the opportunity to ask the questions they have always wanted to ask but may be too afraid or embarrassed to ask.

The online platform will provide a public space for Aboriginal Victorians to discuss history and how it affects their lives today, as well as share the strength and vibrancy of their cultures, with the aim of building understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The website places Aboriginal voices and Aboriginal people at the heart of the campaign, which is critical to establishing an honest dialogue between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.

The campaign also provides an opportunity for non-Aboriginal Victorians to acquire a deeper understanding of Aboriginal cultures and history, and the experiences of Aboriginal people living in Victoria today.

The launch of the campaign coincides with the AFL Sir Douglas Nicholls round, The Long Walk and the Dreamtime at the ‘G game between Richmond and Essendon.

Content for Deadly Questions was directed by Gunditjimara man Richard Frankland, renowned Australian playwright, scriptwriter, musician and Associate Professor at Melbourne University.

The campaign features champions from all walks of life, including: Adam Briggs, Jarman Impey, Aunty Joy Murphy, Uncle Kevin Coombs, Aunty Pam Pederson, Carissa Lee, Ben Abbatangelo, Tiriki Onus and Natarsha Bamblett.

For more information, visit deadlyquestions.com.au.

Quote attributable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“Deadly Questions gives Aboriginal Victorians a platform to tell their stories and share their culture. It provides the opportunity to satisfy the curiosity so many of us have about Victoria’s first peoples.” 

Quote attributable to Deadly Questions campaign director Richard Frankland

“Why Deadly? Because to Aboriginal people, deadly means cool, or great. That’s what we want, we want people to ask us anything, because opening up this conversation will be great for all Victorians.”