Submission to inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

DCA has provided a submission on the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This submission draws on evidence from nationally significant research conducted by DCA, including:

Together, these reports provide robust, Australia-specific evidence demonstrating that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers experience the highest levels of racism, discrimination, and exclusion of any demographic group in Australian workplaces. The findings point to racism that is persistent, systemic, and inadequately addressed by current workplace, regulatory and reporting frameworks.

Racism directed at Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia is systemic, pervasive, and persistent, manifesting at interpersonal, organisational, and societal levels. DCA’s Inclusion@Work Index has consistently found that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workers experience disproportionately higher rates of workplace discrimination and harassment. 

Download DCA's Submission (PDF 250 KB)

The evidence is unequivocal: racism against Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples remains widespread in Australian workplaces, producing profound harm at individual, organisational, and societal levels. Racism, hate, and violence are not accidental – they are the product of systems that continue to privilege some voices and marginalise others.

DCA has provided 15 recommendations as part of our submission. This inquiry presents a critical opportunity to move beyond awareness to sustainable systemic change, grounded in lived experience, backed by accountability, and embedded in law and policy.

Additional Resources