Calls for anti-racism laws and addressing rising hate

In the wake of the Perth Invasion Day attack, calls for stronger anti-racism laws are growing louder, as Indigenous leaders highlight a surge in hate crimes and disparities in legal protections. Cultural custodian Gurridyula has questioned the absence of specific “anti-Aboriginalism laws” especially as new hate speech protections emerge for other groups. This ties into broader discussions on hate, with the Perth incident seen as an assault on Indigenous survival.

Nationally, the Albanese government recently passed laws outlawing hate groups and increasing penalties for hate preachers, crafted after the Bondi terror attack. These are described as the “strongest” yet, though some anti-vilification measures were dropped. Indigenous advocates argue these must explicitly protect First Nations people, who face entrenched racism. The Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework remains unendorsed, providing a blueprint for action.

ABS data reveals stark disparities: Indigenous Australians experience higher rates of discrimination, with 1 in 3 reporting unfair treatment in the past year. Internationally, similar calls echo in West Papua where Indigenous civilians flee military operations amid resource extraction, prompting demands for Australian support. A recent report found the UK complicit in “ecocide” there, highlighting global accountability needs.

Senator Thorpe’s motion condemned ongoing colonial violence, noting racism against First Peoples is “real, rising and must be taken seriously”. Ministerial statements affirm no place for hate, with new laws targeting acts disrupting social cohesion. But critics point to “deadly silence” after Indigenous-targeted attacks, like Perth.

This is a pivotal moment for Australia to enact comprehensive laws, drawing from international models like Canada’s Indigenous rights frameworks, to ensure safety and justice for all First Nations people.