General News
20 March, 2026
Senate inquiry to probe First Peoples’ racism
A SENATE Inquiry into racism against First Peoples will be conducted by the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.
The inquiry was announced by Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy earlier this month and will examine the forms, impacts and drivers of racism experienced by First Peoples, and the changes needed to address it.
Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss and Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said the inquiry could not be another exercise in diagnosis.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss welcomed the inquiry.
“It can help map how the long history of racism against First Peoples has evolved into the more organised, radicalised and viral forms of abuse and hate we see on digital platforms today,” she said.
“Government already knows what needs to change; this inquiry must turn that knowledge into concrete action, with timelines and accountability.
“Racism is not new. It has shaped our lives since colonisation and continues to cause profound harm.
“We have seen it in recent attacks on our people including the violent incursion at Camp Sovereignty in September and the terrorist attack at this year’s Invasion Day rally in Perth – and in the everyday experiences of First Peoples.
“The time is now. This Senate Inquiry must produce concrete actions by government that actually change outcomes for our communities.”
First Peoples, community organisations, experts and the broader public can make submissions to the Senate Inquiry.
Submissions close on 1 May. Go to www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Affairs
