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Racism inquiry heads to Hobart and Melbourne

Parliament of Australia

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold public hearings in Hobart (Wednesday 5 August) and Melbourne (Thursday 6 August and Friday 7 August) for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said “The upcoming hearings will allow the Committee to hear from further national stakeholders as well as a range of Tasmanian and Victorian organisations and individuals.

We look forward to hearing from national sporting organisations and leading media voices about the challenges of addressing racism in public life and the practical measures that can help prevent harmful behaviour and improve accountability. We are keen to explore what further action is needed to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are treated with respect both on and off the field, and across Australia's media landscape.

The Committee also welcomes the opportunity to hear directly from the Tasmanian Government, including the Tasmanian Department of Health, the Tasmanian Department of Justice and the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People. We will be interested to hear about the policies, programs and practical measures being implemented across government to prevent and respond to racism and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, with a strong focus on online racism, reporting mechanisms, and how governments and institutions can better respond. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the Committee’s final report to Parliament.

In Hobart, witnesses scheduled to appear include the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA), the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance (TRACA), the First Peoples (Tasmania) Aboriginal Corporation (FPTAC) and several Tasmanian Government departments as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with lived experience of racism. In Melbourne, witnesses include national sporting federations, media organisations (SBS, NITV and the ABC) and several media personalities including John Paul Janke, Narelda Jacobs, Brooke Blurton and Brooke Boney.

Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and the public hearing program, is available on the Committee’s website. If you would like to attend the hearing as an observer, please contact the secretariat via [email protected] or (02) 6277 4559.

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: Geerththana Narendren
(03) 9070 1920

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