The AASW submission to the Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence Directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
3 July 2026
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has lodged a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Racism, Hate and Violence Directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
This submission was developed by the AASW and informed by Professor Bindi Bennett and Adjunct Professor Lorraine Muller, who led yarning sessions, collected feedback and identified key issues and priorities. This submission has been directly informed by yarning sessions with First Nations AASW members and written feedback from social workers and social practitioners – it draws on professional expertise, lived experience and community knowledge from across Australia.
The AASW sincerely appreciates and thanks the leadership and contributions of members and contributors who have directly informed this submission through their invaluable feedback, expertise, stories, and lived-experience insights, and acknowledges that the issues addressed within this submission are complex, sensitive, and informed by a diversity of experiences and perspectives.
The submission argues that racism directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is a systemic issue that requires coordinated, long-term action across governments, institutions and public services. It emphasises that effective responses must be led by First Nations Peoples, grounded in self-determination, cultural safety and healing, and supported through sustained investment in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and other First Nations-led initiatives.
The submission also calls for stronger accountability through culturally safe and community-led reporting mechanisms, enhanced oversight by and powers for the Australian Human Rights Commission to investigate and respond to systemic racism, and better collection and reporting of racism data in line with Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles.
The AASW supports continued efforts across governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen protections against racism and discrimination and to promote culturally safe, equitable, and inclusive systems and structures.