Commissioners condemn Senator Hanson’s racist remarks targeting First Peoples

The Commissioners responsible for First Peoples social justice and combatting race discrimination have rejected racist, dehumanising comments against First Peoples by Senator Pauline Hanson.

‘This country prides itself on shared values of fairness, dignity and respect. The Senator’s comments utterly contradict these values and have no place in the national conversation,’ said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss.

‘Such commentary is a tactic to divide us at a time when we need to come together. In fact, people have come together over the past 24 hours, across the political spectrum, to criticise the Senator’s comments. For that, I am heartened. But the harm caused should not be underestimated.

‘Australia’s First Peoples are the custodians of the world’s oldest continuing cultures and are vital to shaping who we are as a nation. Their knowledge, leadership, creativity and continuing survival enrich us all, and have done so for tens of thousands of years.

‘Indigenous artists inspire generations and deepen how we view ourselves and the world around us. And Elders are the conduits of history, generously sharing their wisdom and lived experience so each of us can learn, reflect and grow.

‘First Peoples have endured generations of discrimination, exclusion and attempted erasure. Public discussion of Australia’s history and identity must be grounded in respect, truth-telling and a recognition of the enduring strength and contribution of First Peoples.’

Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said: ‘Whether our ancestors arrived more than 200 years ago, or we are recent migrants, we all live on lands and waters that were maintained by and hold the cultures of First Peoples. Their knowledge, leadership, creativity and continuing survival enrich us all, and have done so for tens of thousands of years. Recognising that gives us strength and brings us together. Denigrating First Peoples does the opposite and lessens all of us.

‘When public figures use language that dehumanises entire groups of people, it causes real harm. History has shown that when people are portrayed as less deserving of dignity, respect or belonging, discrimination and exclusion are more likely to follow.

‘We must take meaningful steps to ensure racism is identified and prevented wherever it occurs, including in our institutions. That is why one of the recommendations of the National Anti-Racism Framework is for anti-racism training for all Parliamentarians.

‘Public officials have a responsibility to lead with integrity and uphold the dignity of all Australians. The standard must be clear – racism has no place in Australia, least of all in our halls of power.’