A federal parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate, and violence directed at First Nations people has been told that the rise of One Nation is fuelling racism. High-profile Indigenous journalists have warned the inquiry that 1970s-style racism "is back".
The inquiry is holding public hearings in Melbourne this week, gathering evidence from prominent individuals and sporting groups regarding their experiences of racism, discrimination, violence, and harm across Australia.
Tanya Hosch, former inclusion and social policy manager at the AFL, told the committee that she believes the rise of One Nation and Senator Pauline Hanson "expressed racism" through public speech and rhetoric. Hosch stated that she believes many of Hanson's statements have racist intent and express racism, encouraging people to use similar behaviour and words.
John-Paul Janke, National Indigenous Television's national Indigenous editor, informed the inquiry that racism, online hate, and discrimination have increased since the failed Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023. Janke, a Wuthathi and Meriam man, said he has witnessed an alarming escalation of online racial slurs, the delegitimisation of First Nations history, and sustained abuse aimed at First Nations voices. He added that online racism is now becoming in-person violence, and that the racism he experienced in the 1970s is now being directed at his children.
Channel 10 journalist Narelda Jacobs and former Channel 9 presenter Brooke Boney also provided evidence to the inquiry. They discussed the increasing rise of racism and online hatred, and the challenges of reporting on First Nations issues in Australian mainstream media.