The State Voice supports the recently announced federal government inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For generations, racism has shaped the lived experiences of our people. Over the past two years our communities have shared many stories with us about the nature, prevalence and impact of racism in their lives. These stories speak to racism experienced in everyday spaces, in the services our people rely on, and across online platforms and the media.

Our communities continue to raise serious concerns about systemic racism within the justice system. This includes experiences of over-policing, racial profiling, and the disproportionate number of arrests and detentions of Aboriginal people. These are not isolated incidents, they are patterns our people have lived with for decades. This lived experience creates deep apprehension, particularly as we see police powers continue to expand, such as with the recent declaration of additional regional shopping precincts in South Australia.

Community members have also spoken about the growing misuse of online platforms to spread racist attitudes and misinformation. We have seen this recently in the public mocking of Kaurna language and Aboriginal place names and we call out this abhorrent behaviour. For our people, language, culture and connection to Country are not symbolic gestures, they are living parts of our identity and strength. When these are mocked or dismissed, it reinforces the racism and division our communities continue to face.

Despite this, our culture remains our greatest protective factor. Our languages, our connection to Country, and our strong kinship systems continue to sustain and guide our people.

The inquiry into racism is an important opportunity for our communities to be heard and for the everyday realities and experiences of racism to be acknowledged. It is timely, and it matters.

We encourage anyone with lived experience of racism, hate or violence to consider making a submission to the inquiry. Sharing your story can help ensure the voices of our communities contribute to shaping the change that is needed.