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In May 2026 Our Watch made a submission to the (Commonwealth) 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 Inquiry was adopted following a referral from the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.
Our Watch’s submission emphasises the gendered dimensions of some forms of racism and violence and highlights the specific experiences of First Nations women. It recommends that any discussion of racism, hatred and violence towards First Nations People include discussion of violence perpetrated by non-Indigenous men against First Nations women, as part of the broader picture.
The submission points to key content from Changing the picture that highlights:
- the nature, prevalence and impact of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
- the intersections between racism, colonialism and gender inequality in driving violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
- initiatives that are needed to prevent violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and reduce individual and collective harm.
