The Australian Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (JSCATSIA) has launched 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. Media release.
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.”
Terms of reference for the inquiry.
Submissions are due by 1 May 2026. The Minister has asked the inquiry to report back by 15 September.
National Indigenous Times report. ABC WA report. Saturday Paper report.
Defending Country is considering lodging a submission to the inquiry with particular reference to Term of Reference 3: "Initiatives that are effective in combating racism targeted at First Nations people and reduce individual and collective harm".
The inquiry follows the Invasion Day attack on a First Nations gathering in Boorloo Perth
Picture credit: 'Mounted Police and Blacks', an 1852 lithograph by WL Walton, depicting the killing of Aboriginal warriors at Slaughterhouse Creek in 1838 by colonial police troopers (Australian War Memorial).
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