Findings from the Australian Human Rights Commission
Racism faced by Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, and Israeli communities in Australia has been extensively documented in a new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Released on 14th April 2026, the report is titled ‘The struggle to be seen, the power in being heard.’
Part of the ‘Seen & Heard’ project funded by the Australian Government, this report aims to shed light on the impact of the Gaza conflict on local communities. Between February and August 2025, the Commission conducted extensive consultations to gather these findings.
Professor Giridharan Sivaraman, Race Discrimination Commissioner, expressed concern over the conflict’s severe impact on affected communities. He stated, ‘The increased fear, anguish and anger that people in these affected communities have been experiencing in the last 3 years has very clearly had an enormous impact on their wellbeing, their personal and professional relationships, and their sense of safety and belonging.’
Escalation of Racism
Racism has intensified, the report reveals, with incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiment becoming more frequent. Disturbing examples include a Jewish student’s classmates forming a swastika with desks and a dead kangaroo left at a mosque’s entrance. A Palestinian woman was verbally attacked on the street, accused of being a Hamas sympathiser. These stories underscore the report’s portrayal of a sombre reality for many Australians.
Following the release of the National Anti-Racism Framework 18 months ago, the Australian Government has delayed implementing its 63 recommendations. Sivaraman urged authorities to consider the report’s findings and take prompt action.
The report does not reflect experiences of Jewish community members following the horrific antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in December 2025, as the consultation period had closed before the incident occurred.
Personal Stories Highlight Impact
Hundreds of community members shared their experiences, revealing the profound pain and distress caused by increased racism. Notably, high levels of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian sentiment have also been reported in workplaces, exacerbating the already tense environment.
The Australian Human Rights Commission‘s report is the most comprehensive of its kind since the attack on Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent retaliation by Israel. It is part of an effort to better understand the local impact of the war in Gaza and the associated humanitarian crisis.
The full report is available on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website, providing detailed insights and access to support services for those affected by racial discrimination. The Commission acknowledged the courage and strength of those who shared their stories, emphasizing the importance of giving voice to these experiences.
