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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee to hear from key national organisations and agencies

Parliament of Australia

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will be holding a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 26 June 2026 for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The hearing will bring together a range of national bodies, government agencies, and experts with experience in policy, service delivery and online safety to provide evidence to the Committee.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said “This hearing is an opportunity to hear from key national bodies like Reconciliation Australia, alongside the federal agencies responsible for tackling racism.

The Committee is focused on practical action and real accountability. With systemic and institutional racism emerging as major themes, we want to see what these agencies are doing internally to combat it. This is also about examining where trust with First Nations communities has broken down, and how those agencies plan to rebuild it.”

The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, as well as existing responses and opportunities for reform. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the Committee’s final report to Parliament.

Witnesses scheduled to appear include Reconciliation Australia, First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, Department of Social Services, eSafety Commissioner, Attorney-General’s Department, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Services Australia, and Department of Education (including the Australian Tertiary Education Commission).

Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and the public hearing program, is available on the Committee’s website.

Please note the committee and secretariat are unable to provide counselling, advice, or support for individuals. Help is available:

For First Nations people:

  • 13YARN: 13 92 76
  • Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
  • Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563

For all people:

  • Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
  • MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
  • Headspace: 1800 650 890
  • Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467
  • 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732

Media inquiries

Office of Senator Jana Stewart
Media contact: Hannah Purdy
0438 003 838

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