The document titled “An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples” is a comprehensive report developed through extensive consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Commissioned by the Australian Human Rights Commission and facilitated by First Nations Co., the framework aims to inform the development of a National Anti-Racism Framework that is culturally safe, community-led, and responsive to the lived experiences of First Nations peoples.
The report begins by acknowledging the enduring strength and knowledge systems of First Nations peoples, and the deep relational ties to Country, culture, and community. It highlights the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation, systemic racism, and unconscious bias, which continue to shape the experiences of First Nations Australians across key sectors such as education, health, and justice. The consultations involved over 496 contributors through in-person sessions, virtual meetings, surveys, and written submissions, ensuring a diverse and representative sample of voices from metropolitan, rural, and remote regions.
Key findings from the consultations reveal that systemic racism is deeply embedded in legislative frameworks and institutional practices, leading to widespread disadvantage and exclusion. Unconscious bias was identified as a significant barrier to equitable treatment, particularly in decision-making processes. The justice system was singled out for its over-policing and disproportionate incarceration of First Nations peoples, while the health and education sectors were criticised for lacking cultural safety and representation.
The report offers a series of robust recommendations, including legislative reform to remove race-based powers from the Constitution, the establishment of First Nations advisory bodies with genuine decision-making authority, and the implementation of standardised Cultural Safety education across all sectors. It also calls for the development of a standalone First Nations Anti-Racism Framework, aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Sector-specific recommendations address the need for curriculum reform in education, integration of traditional healing practices in health, and restorative justice approaches in the legal system. The report also outlines practical strategies for implementation, such as stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and transparent reporting.
In conclusion, the framework advocates for systemic change that centres First Nations voices, promotes equity, and dismantles entrenched racism. It positions the Australian Human Rights Commission as a key driver in leading this transformative agenda, urging immediate and sustained action to create a more just and inclusive Australia.
