Committee to Address Racism and Violence
On Friday, 8th May 2026, the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will gather in Adelaide for a significant public hearing. This session will focus on assessing racism, hate, and violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Importance of the Hearing
The hearing is part of an ongoing inquiry aimed at understanding the widespread impact of racism. Gathering insights from experts and those with lived experiences is crucial to identifying effective solutions. The Committee seeks to understand the prevalence, drivers, and impacts of racism, as well as to explore existing responses and opportunities for reform.
Senator Jana Stewart, a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, chairs the Committee. She stated, “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.”
Scheduled to present evidence are several notable groups and individuals. These include the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network, NPY Women’s Council, and the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement. Dale Aguis, the South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, and Shona Reid, the South Australian Guardian for Children and Young People, will also appear. Professor Irene Watson from Adelaide University is among the academics contributing to the discussions.
The evidence collected during these hearings will play a key role in shaping the Committee’s final report to Parliament. This comprehensive approach ensures that the voice of South Australian communities is heard. Following the hearing in Adelaide, further sessions will be conducted in various other locations. These will provide additional opportunities for national perspectives to be shared and considered.
Individuals interested in contributing to the inquiry can find more information, including the terms of reference, on the Committee’s website. While the Committee and its secretariat cannot offer direct counseling or support, there are resources available for those in need. First Nations people can reach out to services like 13YARN and Brother to Brother. Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and other organisations are also available for support to all individuals.
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. Further interstate public hearings will continue in other locations as part of the inquiry.
Help is available for those affected. For First Nations people, resources include 13YARN: 13 92 76, Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799, and Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563. For all people, support is offered by Lifeline: 13 11 14, Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636, MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, Headspace: 1800 650 890, and the Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, as well as 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732.
