For the Australian Far Right, Aboriginal Rights Have Always Been Synonymous With Communism
As the referendum over a First Nations Voice approaches, the No campaign is turning to deranged conspiracies that link Aboriginal rights with communism. But it’s not just paranoia — they’re drawing on a long history of racism and red-baiting.
Demonstrators hold signs and placards as they attend a rally in Sydney, Australia, on September 23, 2023 to show their opposition to landmark Aboriginal representation reform ahead of an October 14 referendum. (David Gray / AFP via Getty Images)
On October 14, Australians will vote in a referendum to include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “Voice” in the country’s constitution. If successful, it will require Parliament to legislate for a body with the power to make representations to the government on issues concerning First Nations people.
Revealingly, in recent weeks the No campaign has begun turning to anti-communist rhetoric to smear the Voice. For example, prominent No campaigner and Liberal politician Warren Mundine has tweeted on several occasions to highlight support for the Voice from members of the Communist Party of Australia, a minor group with no connection to the historic party of the same name.
Similarly, right-wing journalist and campaigner Matthew Sheahan has attacked Thomas Mayo, a prominent Yes campaigner, for having communist sympathies. Sheahan’s proof is that Mayo acknowledged the role played by the historic Communist Party of Australia (CPA) in past struggles for Aboriginal rights.
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