The NCCA, in its submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee Inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations Peoples, proposes three steps toward addressing the deeply embedded nature of racism directed at First Nations People.
The implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework; a renewed impetus to “Closing the Gap” and raising the age of criminal responsibility coupled with more humane community-based approaches to juvenile offending are practical and implementable steps that would make a significant difference.
The submission begins by acknowledging the historic role churches have played in contributing to injustice against Indigenous Peoples through policies of assimilation, the suppression of culture and language, and the removal of children from their families.
Today churches condemn all forms of racism as profoundly immoral because racism rejects the equality of all people, created in God’s image with human dignity and equal rights.
The submission highlights evidence of continuing and widespread racism experienced by First Nations peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience racial prejudice, discrimination in workplaces, barriers to housing and services, online abuse, and interactions with policing and government systems that reflect the systemic and structural nature of racism.
The NCCA calls for the implementation of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework. The Framework recognises the structural nature of racism, promotes truth-telling and self-determination, and places First Nations voices at the centre of anti-racism efforts. It provides a practical roadmap for governments, businesses, community organisations and churches to eliminate racism.
The submission highlights concerns about the lack of progress on ‘Closing the Gap’ targets. While some gains have been made in health, education and economic participation, significant inequalities remain. Greater investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and genuine partnership in decision-making are essential to bring about change.
The over-representation of First Nations children and young people in the justice system is a crisis. Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people make up only a small proportion of Australia’s youth population, they account for around 60 per cent of young people in detention.
The NCCA calls for raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years and increasing investment in Indigenous-led diversion, prevention and community-based programs that keep vulnerable children out of detention.
Racism – the lie that we are not all equal – diminishes us all. The NCCA stands in solidarity with First Nations people, many of whom belong to our member churches. We hope and pray that this Inquiry, in uncovering the ugly truth about racism directed at First Nations people and how to combat it, will provide the impetus to governments and all sectors of society including churches for a transformation to a more just and caring culture in Australia where First Nations people are heard and their dignity and rights protected.