In the lead-up to Australia's upcoming referendum on whether to constitutionally recognize its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, an Indigenous senator became the target of threats and racial insults in a video posted on social media.

Scheduled for October 14, the referendum will ask Australians whether they support amending the constitution to establish a "Voice to Parliament," an Indigenous committee tasked with advising parliament on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In the video, an individual wearing a balaclava, claiming to belong to a neo-Nazi group, was seen burning the Aboriginal flag, making a Nazi salute, and issuing threats against Senator Lidia Thorpe.

During a press conference in Melbourne, Senator Thorpe expressed her concerns, saying, "Where is my support? Where is my protection in this country? I'm not going into hiding for the next nine days. You will hear from me. I'm not afraid."

The video has since been removed, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have initiated an investigation into the incident.

In the lead-up to the referendum, there has been a rise in racist threats against Aboriginal people, who constitute approximately 3.8% of the population. This increase is attributed to misunderstandings and anxieties surrounding the "Yes" campaign.

Senator Thorpe advocates for a "No" vote and calls on the government and Indigenous communities to first establish a treaty, similar to those in Canada and New Zealand.

Supporters of the "Yes" campaign argue that the Voice referendum proposal will unite the nation and provide the long-overdue recognition of the 65,000-year-old Aboriginal culture. In contrast, opponents of the proposal argue that it grants excessive power to the Indigenous body or will have little real impact.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, upon being contacted by Senator Thorpe, responded promptly and also engaged with the police. During a subsequent news conference, he condemned the threatening video, stating that Nazi rhetoric and statements have no place in Australian political discourse.

It's important to note that many socioeconomic indicators for Aboriginal people in Australia fall below national averages, with disproportionately high rates of suicide, domestic violence, and incarceration. Their life expectancy is approximately eight years lower than that of non-Indigenous Australians.