Renae Isaacs-Gutheridge, Journalist for National Indigenous Times explains the vital role of truth-telling, prompted by recent comments by Senator Kerrynne Liddle. Renae Isaacs-Guthridge, Noongar and Yamatji Yorga with connections across Countries, including Wardandi Boodja.
Senator Liddle’s recent comments in The Australian present a concerning reframing of the realities facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. While it is correct that our communities are diverse and not defined by deficit, her narrative misrepresents both the intent of truth-telling and the role of Aboriginal-led solutions.
It is disingenuous to suggest that truth-telling efforts by Aboriginal leaders and organisations aim to portray all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as disadvantaged. On the contrary, these efforts seek to illuminate the historical and structural conditions that continue to affect our families and communities – including intergenerational trauma, land dispossession, systemic racism and policy failure. Recognising this truth is not a denial of strength, success, or resilience. It is a demand for justice and meaningful reform.
Senator Liddle’s narrow focus on individualised “practical help” as an alternative to rights-based approaches is misleading. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples do not have to choose between basic services and systemic change – both are necessary and interconnected. A family without a home is not just a case of individual misfortune; it reflects policy failures, lack of housing investment and the under-resourcing of Aboriginal-led service delivery.
The suggestion that Aboriginal organisations are broadly unaccountable is not only unfair but undermines decades of work by community-controlled organisations who are best placed to deliver culturally appropriate, effective services. These organisations operate under intense scrutiny, often with limited funding and increasing compliance burdens. While accountability is essential, public attacks risk reinforcing deficit narratives and opening the door to re-centralised, top-down interventions – something Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have consistently opposed.
Senator Liddle’s opposition to the Voice and her alignment with punitive, top-down policies like the cashless debit card reveal a preference for control rather than self-determination. Evidence and community feedback have consistently highlighted the harms caused by such policies, including stigma, disempowerment and increased hardship.
We welcome transparency and strong governance. But real accountability also requires governments to listen to the voices of Aboriginal peoples through mechanisms like the Coalition of Peaks, SNAICC and NACCHO – voices that have long called for partnership, not paternalism.
Instead of dismissing truth-telling and community-led advocacy as ideological, Senator Liddle should recognise them as foundational to a just, inclusive and effective approach to Indigenous affairs. Success should not be weaponised to erase disadvantage, nor should vulnerability be used to justify undermining Aboriginal leadership.