Indigenous athletes and journalists detail experiences of racism

A national inquiry into racism, hatred, and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has heard about its impact in sport and the media.

Marissa Williamson Pohlman, the first Aboriginal woman to represent Australia in Olympic boxing, has told the inquiry that there’s a lack of cultural safety for elite level athletes.

First Nations journalists and media leaders told the inquiry negative and often inaccurate reporting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to fuel racism, influence public policy and make it harder for Indigenous voices and success stories to be heard.

NITV and SBS National Indigenous Affairs Editor, John Paul Janke, has emphasised the need for truth-telling in national discussions on Australia’s history.

“If we’re not telling the true story of this country, then whose story are we telling,” he said.

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