Victorian Government Launches 'Deadly Questions' in Support of Upcoming Treaty

The Victorian Government has today launched a campaign called 'Deadly Questions' in support of Australia's first-ever Treaty legislation, via Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

As Victoria embarks on a path to Treaty, research has shown many Victorians feel they know little about their State's Aboriginal heritage or Aboriginal affairs in general.

But along with their lack of knowledge, Victorians also don't feel comfortable asking questions for fear of offending or appearing ignorant.

Deadly Questions provides a platform for Victorians to get much needed answers and opens up a conversation between non-Aboriginal Victorians and the Victorian Aboriginal community at a pivotal moment in the State's history.

Through the campaign website, people can ask questions, anonymously if they wish, and these questions will be answered by Aboriginal Victorians - responding via text or video.

To launch the campaign, some famous Aboriginal names have signed up to answer questions including musician Adam Briggs, elders Aunty Pam Pederson, Aunty Joy Murphy and Uncle Kevin Coombs OAM.

Outdoor, social and digital advertising features some starter-questions designed to get people thinking about what they might like to ask.

Says Josh Smith, executive director at Aboriginal Victoria and a Dunghutti man: "For us, and for Aboriginal Victorians, this campaign represents hope. Hope for change. Hope for recognition. And importantly, hope that we can move forward as a State and as a nation united.

"Never before has there been a forum like this to provide a deep understanding of Aboriginal cultures, and we look forward to joining Victorians in a conversation that needs to be had."

Says Evan Roberts, executive creative director, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne: "This country has a long way to go to get to Treaty, but by creating an environment to talk about the issues that currently divide us we hope to unify Victorians in support of one."

'Deadly Questions' has launched across TV, OOH, the Deadly Questions website and social.

Victorians can ask their Deadly Question at deadlyquestions.vic.gov.au and take a step forward in fostering a greater understanding of Victoria's original culture.