Community Interest Prompts Extension

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has extended the deadline for submissions to its racism inquiry until 1st June 2026. This decision was made to accommodate substantial community interest and requests for additional time.

This inquiry focuses on examining racism, hate, and violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It aims to assess the prevalence, impacts, and drivers of these issues and explore existing responses and opportunities for reform.

Senator Jana Stewart, Chair of the committee and a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, remarked, "This important inquiry has had significant community interest, and the committee wants to make sure all people who want to have their say can do so."

Encouraging Community Voices

The committee has already received numerous powerful stories from across Australia, highlighting the experiences of racism, hate, and violence faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The committee encourages further submissions to ensure diverse voices are included in the final report to Parliament.

Information about the inquiry, including terms of reference and submission guidelines, is available on the committee's official website. However, the committee and secretariat cannot provide counselling or support for individuals needing assistance.

Support services for First Nations people include 13YARN at 13 92 76, Brother to Brother at 1800 435 799, and Yarning SafeNStrong at 1800 959 563. General support services include Lifeline at 13 11 14, Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636, and others.

Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, Senator Jana Stewart emphasised the importance of the inquiry by stating, “We have received many powerful stories from around the country about racism, hate, and violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We encourage these voices to continue to be shared through this inquiry.”

The inquiry's evidence will inform the committee’s final report to Parliament. The extension reflects the community's need for more time to contribute their experiences and suggestions.

For those seeking to contribute, the committee's website provides detailed information on the submission process and the inquiry's terms of reference.