Concerns for mental health of Indigenous Australians amid reported uptick in abuse as voice debate progresses

Health minister says he fears referendum could follow path of 2017 marriage equality plebiscite which saw LGBTQ+ people become targets for vilification

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The government and mental health groups are concerned First Nations Australians could experience similar levels of abuse during the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum as LGBTQ+ Australians during the marriage equality postal vote, with a mental health organisation saying the campaign “will only divide people”.

The federal government has committed an extra $10m to support the mental health of First Nations Australians during the referendum period, and mental health organisations say they are bracing for increased reports of racism and psychological distress.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup