First Nations Consultations For the Australian Human Rights Commission 1 Introduction 1.1 Context Racism is a deeply entrenched and pervasive issue that continues to significantly impact First Nations peoples in Australia (Markwick et al., 2019). This systemic problem has roots that extend back to the colonisation of Australia, where First Nations peoples were subjected to dispossession, violence, and policies of assimilation that sought to erase their cultures and identities. Historical and ongoing discrimination has led to substantial disparities in health, education, and justice outcomes for First Nations communities, creating a cycle of disadvantage that persists to this day. In the realm of health, First Nations peoples experience higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and a significantly lower life expectancy compared to non-First Nations Australians (Australian Government, 2023). These health disparities are exacerbated by limited access to culturally safe healthcare services and the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma. In education, First Nations students often face systemic barriers that hinder their academic achievement, such as underfunded schools, a lack of culturally relevant curriculum, and experiences of racism and discrimination within the school environment. These educational challenges contribute to lower retention and graduation rates among First Nations students and thus have flow on effects including but not limited to workforce equity, socio-economic disadvantage and housing. The justice system also reflects deep-seated racial inequities, with First Nations peoples being disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system (Knudsen & Roth, 2023). First Nations people are more likely to be arrested, charged, and incarcerated than their nonAboriginal counterparts. This overrepresentation is linked to a range of factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, discriminatory policing practices, and a lack of access to culturally safe legal resources. These disparities are not only a matter of individual prejudice but are embedded within the systemic structures and institutions of society. The development of a comprehensive National Anti-Racism Framework is therefore critical to addressing and mitigating the effects of racism across these essential sectors. This framework would involve a coordinated approach to dismantling systemic racism, promoting Cultural Safety, and ensuring that policies and practices are inclusive and equitable. The framework must highlight the uniqueness of racism experienced by First Nations people and identify solutions that centralise self-determination and equity that recognises the assertion of sovereignty. By focusing on the experiences and needs of First Nations peoples, the framework aims to foster a more equitable and inclusive Australia. This includes implementing anti-racism education in schools, standardised and regulated Cultural Safety for health professionals, reforming the justice system to address biases, and ensuring that First Nations voices are central in policy-making processes (Hall et al., 2023). An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples Page 13