Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a right to live free from racism, hate and violence
On the 2026 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is calling for national recognition to be matched by meaningful reform to address the ongoing harm racism causes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Racism is not simply a social issue. It is a serious and ongoing threat to the social and emotional wellbeing, safety, dignity and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It causes harm across everyday life, institutions and systems, and continues to deny our people the right to live free from discrimination, hate and violence.
This year’s day comes at a critical time, with the upcoming parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people creating an important opportunity for accountability, reform and action.
Rachel Fishlock, Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia said the inquiry must lead to practical, accountable and properly resourced reform.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been clear for a long time about the harm racism causes and the changes that are needed,” Ms Fishlock said.
“What is needed now is sustained action to address systemic racism, strengthen accountability, and properly resource Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and healing responses.
“Meaningful action means ensuring systems do not simply respond after harm has occurred, but are designed to prevent harm, uphold dignity and human rights, and provide safety and justice for our people.”
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a reminder that eliminating racism requires more than acknowledgement. It requires governments, institutions and systems to confront the structures that continue to fail Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and to embed culturally safe, community-led responses across policy, services and decision-making.
The Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration Framework and Implementation Plan 2025-2035 provides a pathway for structural change grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of social and emotional wellbeing.
Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia said racism and exclusion continue to undermine the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
“Our children deserve to grow up in a society where their cultural identity is recognised as a profound source of strength,” Professor Milroy said.
“A future grounded in safety, understanding and pride requires sustained action to confront racism and create systems and communities where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities can thrive.”
ENDS
Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.
24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include:
13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men
Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support
For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au
About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare.
Media Contacts:
Ben Signor
Ph. 0448 627 820; communications@gayaadhuwi.org.au
www.gayaadhuwi.org.au