Inquiry to Examine Racism Against First Nations People
SYDNEY — A new parliamentary inquiry will investigate workplace racism against First Nations people, as announced today by the Centre for Indigenous People and Work (CIPW) at UTS Sydney. The inquiry will focus on the racism, hate, and violence faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in professional environments.
Director of CIPW, Prof Nareen Young, expressed the importance of the inquiry, highlighting its potential to uncover the prevalence of workplace racism and develop strategies to eradicate it. “Our research has found that racism against First Nations people in the workplace remains stubbornly prevalent,” said Prof Young.
Prof Young warned that without policy changes, it could take over a century for Indigenous workers to experience a workplace free of racial slurs. The inquiry, chaired by Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, follows calls from CIPW, Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman, and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Call for Legislative Changes
The CIPW plans to submit its report, Gari Yala 2, to the inquiry. This report, the largest study on workplace racism against First Nations people in Australia, offers insights and recommendations for reducing workplace discrimination. Prof Young emphasised the need for Indigenous leadership in addressing these issues, noting that Senator Stewart’s leadership aligns with CIPW’s recommendations.
The announcement comes as CIPW and other organisations continue to advocate for the implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework, proposed by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The findings of Gari Yala will be presented at an event at UTS Sydney on March 11. This event will bring together various stakeholders to discuss the report’s findings and the necessary steps to foster an inclusive workplace environment for all.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:33 am
