The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has commenced an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The inquiry follows a referral from the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.
The committee will look into the nature, prevalence and impact of racism, hate and violence towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This includes examining systemic racism, the influence of online platforms, and initiatives that aim to combat racism.
The committee will also consider the threat posed by ideologically motivated extremism and the role of intelligence and law enforcement agencies in protecting the community from that threat.
Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people deserve to live free from racism, hate and violence. This inquiry is an important opportunity to understand the nature, prevalence and impact of racism in our communities and to identify practical actions for combatting racism and reducing individual and collective harm."
"If we are serious about community safety, we must confront the environment in which hatred grows."
The inquiry will also examine initiatives to reduce the individual and collective harm caused by racism, hatred and violence towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The committee encourages submissions and looks forward to hearing from a wide range of people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, about how we can work together to create safer and more respectful environments.
