A federal parliamentary inquiry focused on racism, hate, and violence against First Nations people is currently conducting public hearings in Melbourne. During the proceedings, witnesses discussed the current state of race relations in Australia, with some participants explicitly linking the political rise of Pauline Hanson and the One Nation party to an increase in racist sentiment.

Indigenous journalists and advocates testifying before the committee characterized the current environment as a return to the overt racism seen in the 1970s. The testimony highlighted concerns that political discourse, specifically from One Nation, is emboldening discriminatory attitudes and actions within the broader community. Independent Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe participated in the questioning, engaging with witnesses such as Tanya Hosch, a former inclusion and social policy manager at the AFL, to explore the impact of public rhetoric on social cohesion.

The inquiry is gathering evidence from a diverse range of participants, including sporting organizations and public figures, to document experiences of discrimination and harm. While the testimony provided a critical perspective on the influence of political figures on social attitudes, the inquiry serves as a platform for various stakeholders to voice concerns regarding the safety and inclusion of First Nations people in contemporary Australia.