Telling the truth shouldn’t feel risky
At Little Rocket, we’re eager to see Treaty roll out across Victoria. Truth-telling has been an important part of this process – Treaty reforms like embedding the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Official Public Record into school curriculum will lay a foundation for understanding the impacts of colonial violence in this country.
Only two months into 2026, telling the truth feels increasingly risky. A bomb was thrown into the crowd at an Invasion Day rally in Borloo (Perth) and later recognised as an act of terrorism. First Nations Peoples and allies have every right to gather and address the truth about January 26 without fear of harm.
Protest and free speech at large are at risk all over Australia. Queensland plans to ban some widely used pro-Palestinian slogans, including ‘from the river to the sea’, which activists say is a call for human rights, not violence.
“What will the precedents set by restricting free speech and protest mean for acknowledging historical and ongoing colonial harm in Australia?”
Protesters opposing Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit to Gadigal Country in Sydney saw excessive force used by police. In light of this incident, First Nations organisation Common Ground spoke on the risk to protest, and pointed out that police violence has been “part of the colonial system that First Nations people have been facing since its establishment”.
Protest and grassroots activism has played a role in the fight for social justice for First Nations Peoples for more than 100 years. While free speech and truth-telling are different, distinct concepts, the importance of upholding them are linked.
What will the precedents set by restricting free speech and protest mean for acknowledging historical and ongoing colonial harm in Australia?
Experts say the anti-protest laws introduced after December’s terror attack on the Jewish community in Bondi may suppress free speech, and cause further community division. More must absolutely be done to combat antisemitism in Australia – but this shouldn’t come at the cost of free speech and protest, which uphold our democracy.
Thursday 26 February saw First Nations activists stand up for their right to protest in the NSW Supreme Court. We look forward to hearing the outcome. If we expect young people to be able to understand and reckon with Australia’s history, and lead the change we want to see, they need to feel safe to speak their truth.
About the author
Ruby Perryman,
Communications Manager
Ruby is Little Rocket’s writing and editing expert. She grew up in the remote East Kimberley and has an extensive background in the marketing and publishing industries, bringing a unique perspective to the team.
