Active Inquiry

Inquiry into Racism, Hate & Violence Against First Nations People

A federal parliamentary inquiry examining interpersonal, systemic, and institutional racism — and why previous recommendations were never implemented.

Submissions due 1 May 2026
Wynnum Allies › Current Issues › Racism Inquiry

About the Inquiry

On 4–5 March 2026, the Australian Government launched the Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence Directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. It was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs by Minister Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.

The Inquiry is chaired by Senator Jana Stewart, a Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman — the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Australian Senate from Victoria.

Terms of Reference

The Committee is examining:

  1. The nature, prevalence, and impact of interpersonal, systemic, and institutional racism
  2. Social media as a vehicle for amplifying hate and racial vilification
  3. Ideologically motivated violent extremism targeting First Nations peoples
  4. The adequacy of existing legal protections and reporting mechanisms
  5. Why previous recommendations from inquiries and commissions have not been implemented
  6. The cumulative impact of racism on health, education, employment, and justice outcomes

Watch: Parliamentary Probe

Inquiry into Racism Against First Nations People
Parliament
Inquiry into Racism, Hate & Violence Against First Nations People

How to Make a Submission

The Committee accepts submissions from individuals, organisations, and communities. You do not need to be an expert or use formal language. Personal experience is evidence.

Step 1
Decide Your Format
Written statements, video recordings, or artwork are all accepted. A short written statement of even one page is valuable.
Step 2
Write or Record
Focus on what you have experienced or witnessed. Describe the impact. Suggest what should change. Use your own words.
Step 3
Submit Before 1 May
Submit directly via the APH Inquiry Page, or contribute through Wynnum Allies below.

For detailed guidance: Making a Submission — Guidance (PDF)

Parliamentary Privilege
Submissions to Australian parliamentary inquiries are protected by parliamentary privilege. This means your submission cannot be used against you in legal proceedings. This protection applies once the submission is accepted by the Committee. You can request that your submission be kept confidential or that your name not be published.

Submit Through Wynnum Allies

If you'd prefer not to submit directly, Wynnum Allies is preparing a group submission. Your input — your experience, observations, or recommendations — can be included in a formal submission that carries the weight of an organised community group.

Share your input via our Community Submission Input form. You choose whether your name is attributed or whether you contribute anonymously.

Why This Inquiry Matters

Australia has had numerous inquiries into racism and its impacts on First Nations peoples. The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991) made 339 recommendations. The Bringing Them Home Report (1997) made 54. Many remain unimplemented decades later.

This inquiry is specifically examining why previous recommendations failed — making it fundamentally different from those that came before. The Committee has the power to compel evidence, call witnesses, and table recommendations that the Government must formally respond to.

If the pattern of inquiry-without-implementation is to break, this is the mechanism.

Add Your Voice

Submissions close 1 May 2026. The Committee report is expected September 2026.

Submit Directly to APHContribute via Wynnum Allies