The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will be holding a public hearing in Adelaide on Friday 8 May 2026 for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The hearing will bring together national and South Australian perspectives from a broad range of organisations, researchers, leaders and advocates to provide evidence to the Committee.
Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said "Racism, hate and violence have serious and lasting impacts. Hearing directly from experts and people with lived experience is critical to understanding the scale and drivers of the problem and identifying effective responses."
"This hearing provides an important opportunity for people and organisations in South Australia to have their voices heard."
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 the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, NPY Women's Council, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, Dale Aguis (the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People), Shona Reid (the South Australian Guardian for Children and Young People) and Professor Irene Watson (Adelaide University).
Further interstate public hearings will continue in other locations as part of the inquiry.
Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, 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
