Committee hearings run from 13th July to 17th July

A federal inquiry into racism, hate and violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will take evidence in Perth, Darwin and Alice Springs from 13th July to 17th July.

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will sit in Perth on Monday 13th July, Darwin on Wednesday 15th July and Thursday 16th July, and Alice Springs on Friday 17th July.

Its inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence. It also focuses on online racism, reporting mechanisms, and how governments and institutions respond.

Evidence from the four hearing days will help shape the committee’s final report to Parliament. Community organisations, leaders, experts and people with lived experience of racism are due to appear.

Committee chair Senator Jana Stewart said the hearings would bring in underrepresented voices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and women.

“These hearings provide opportunities to hear from crucial and underrepresented voices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and women,” Stewart said.

Stewart, a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, said systemic racism had emerged clearly in submissions and earlier public hearings. She said the committee wanted evidence that could help hold institutions accountable for practical, meaningful change.

Witnesses across health, law and media

Scheduled witnesses include Boorloo Aboriginal Alliance, the National Indigenous Times, Legal Aid WA, the Northern Land Council, Justice not Jails, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group and the Stars Foundation.

Hon Ken Wyatt AM JP is also due to appear in his role as chair of the University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute. Meanwhile, the committee has invited Northern Territory agencies, including the Northern Territory Attorney-General’s Department.

Witnesses will come from health, law and justice, media and women’s safety. As a result, the committee expects evidence from several sectors as well as from individuals with lived experience.

Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and public hearing programme, is available on the committee website.

The committee and secretariat cannot provide counselling, advice or personal support.