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Racism inquiry heads to Perth, Darwin and Alice Springs

Parliament of Australia

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold public hearings in Perth (Monday 13 July), Darwin (Wednesday 15 July and Thursday 16 July) and Alice Springs (Friday 17 July) for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Committee will hear from community organisations, leaders, experts, from a range of sectors including health, law and justice, media, and women’s safety, as well as from individuals with lived experience of racism.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said “These hearings provide opportunities to hear from crucial and underrepresented voices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and women. It is important to the Committee to hear from a broad spectrum of the community.

Systemic racism has emerged clearly as a major issue in both the submissions and previous public hearings. We want to keep building our understanding of how systemic racism is experienced in the lives and work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities, and use this understanding to hold institutions at all levels accountable to make practical, meaningful change.”

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.

Witnesses scheduled to appear include Boorloo Aboriginal Alliance, the National Indigenous Times (NIT), Hon Ken Wyatt AM JP, Chair of the University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute, Legal Aid WA, the Northern Land Council, Justice not Jails, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC), Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group, and the Stars Foundation.

The committee has also invited government agencies from the Northern Territory, including the Northern Territory Attorney-General’s Department to appear.

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: Hannah Purdy
0438 003 838

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