Human Rights Commission condemns comments targeting First Peoples
Two Australian Human Rights Commission commissioners have condemned remarks by Senator Pauline Hanson, describing the comments as racist and dehumanising toward First Peoples.
The commission published the statement on 15 September 2026 at 16:06 under its federal and Indigenous portfolio.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss and Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman issued the response.
Kiss said the senator’s comments contradicted values of fairness, dignity and respect and had no place in the national conversation.
Over the previous 24 hours, criticism of Hanson’s comments came from across the political spectrum.
“Such commentary is a tactic to divide us at a time when we need to come together,” Kiss said.
First Peoples are the custodians of the world’s oldest continuing cultures. Their knowledge, leadership, creativity and continuing survival have shaped Australia for tens of thousands of years.
Indigenous artists inspire generations and deepen how Australians view themselves and the world around them. Elders pass on history, wisdom and lived experience.
Kiss said First Peoples had endured generations of discrimination, exclusion and attempted erasure.
She said public discussion of Australia’s history and identity must be grounded in respect, truth-telling and recognition of the enduring strength and contribution of First Peoples.
National Anti-Racism Framework recommendation
Sivaraman linked the remarks to wider risks from racism in public life and public institutions.
Australians whose families arrived more than 200 years ago, and recent migrants, live on lands and waters maintained by First Peoples and shaped by their cultures.
Recognising that history brings people together, while denigrating First Peoples does the opposite.
“When public figures use language that dehumanises entire groups of people, it causes real harm,” Sivaraman said.
He said history showed discrimination and exclusion were more likely when people were portrayed as less deserving of dignity, respect or belonging.
One recommendation in the National Anti-Racism Framework is anti-racism training for all parliamentarians.
Sivaraman said public officials had a responsibility to lead with integrity and uphold the dignity of all Australians.
He said racism had no place in Australia, least of all in the nation’s halls of power.
