Racism Inquiry

Speak Truth About Racism

Racism against First Peoples is systemic and widespread.

It continues to harm our communities, our health, and our wellbeing.

Following the terror attack against First Peoples on Invasion Day in Boorloo Perth, I called for urgent national action to address racism, hate and violence directed at our peoples.

The Inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recently initiated by the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is a result of that push for accountability. It will examine the responses to, and impacts of, racism on First Peoples.

This inquiry is an opportunity for our communities to speak truth to power, on the public record.

If you feel comfortable doing so, I encourage you to share your experience.

Your Story Matters

Many people who contact my office share deeply painful experiences of racism.

Speaking about these experiences takes courage.

To everyone who has trusted us with their truth — we hear you and we stand with you.

Your voice is powerful, and it forms part of a much bigger story about the ongoing impacts of racism on First Peoples.

Every submission strengthens the push for meaningful change.

Why This Inquiry Matters

For generations, First Peoples have experienced racism in:

Healthcare
Education
Housing
Workplaces
Public spaces
The criminal legal system
Social services
Online environments
Everyday life

These experiences are not isolated incidents. They are part of systems that continue to harm our peoples and impact our health, safety, wellbeing, and opportunities.

As I have consistently said: Racism in this country is systemic. Real change requires truth-telling, accountability, and for our people’s lived experiences to be heard directly, not filtered or dismissed.

What The Inquiry Is Examining

The parliamentary inquiry is looking at:

The nature, prevalence and impacts of racism, hate, and violence against First Peoples.
The role of online platforms and digital spaces in spreading racism and hate.
Programs and strategies that successfully combat racism.
The threat of ideologically motivated extremism targeting First Peoples.
Whether current systems for reporting and responding to racism are effective.
Other issues relating to racism affecting First Peoples.

Your submission does not need to address every issue. Sharing your experience helps expose the scale of the problem.

Where The Inquiry Is Now

Written submissions to the inquiry closed on June 1. The Committee is now undertaking public hearings across the country, hearing from First Peoples, communities, government agencies, organisations and experts, and considering evidence gathered through submissions.

Thank you for speaking truth

I want to thank every person who took the time to make a submission, attend a hearing, share their experience, or support others to tell their story. Speaking publicly about racism takes courage, and every contribution helps build a stronger case for change.

What Comes Next

This inquiry is hearing from First Peoples, communities, organisations and experts across the country. Their evidence has reinforced what our communities have long known: racism is not isolated, it is systemic.

As the inquiry moves towards its final report, the focus must shift from listening to action. Too often, First Peoples are asked to share painful experiences only to see recommendations ignored.

The true test of this inquiry will not be the report itself, but whether governments act on its findings. I will continue to push for accountability and for the full implementation of reforms that reflect the voices and lived experiences of our communities.

Truth-telling must lead to action. Action must lead to change.