Our submission responds to two of the Inquiry's Terms of Reference: the nature, prevalence and impact of racism, hate and violence towards First Nations people, and initiatives that are effective in combating it.

It focuses on the philanthropic sector, including the Foundation's own position within it. It acknowledges that much private wealth has been built through the dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Country, and that the sector is often closed and lacks transparency. In 2022-23, only 1.5% of philanthropic funding went to programs intended to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 The submission emphasises that truth-telling must be matched by accountability for action, guided by the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It points to Indigenous-led funds such as Spinifex Foundation SA as a different way of working and calls for resources to flow to community-led, culturally grounded solutions.

 We hope the Inquiry will recommend action towards a Makarrata Commission, accountability for private sector organisations and funders in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and a renewed focus on community-led healing and wellbeing solutions.

Read our submission here.