When this photo was posted online the racist commentary began
A national inquiry into racism, hate and violence towards First Nations people has come to Hobart to hear from the state's Aboriginal groups and people with lived experience of racism.
Minutes after Tebrakunna Rangers posted a photo showcasing their collaboration with members of Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania on social media, the image sparked a wave of racist commentary. Racial comments were directed at the Rangers based on the colour of their skin and the percentage of Aboriginal blood they possessed. The abuse was so offensive that the group had to disable comments on the post.
Nick Cameron, the chairman of the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance, expressed concern, stating that the young rangers, who are the future leaders, have become targets for political and commercial gain since the Voice referendum. Peter Rowe, chairman of the First Peoples Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation, also experienced racism after sharing a photo on social media.
Rowe claimed that some racism he faced came from other Aboriginal people, highlighting the existence of lateral violence within the community. The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) was criticized for fostering this division, as its actions were detrimental to the broader goal of closing the gap in Tasmania. Rowe further criticized the ABC for focusing solely on online abuse and neglecting to involve the entire Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
Aboriginal leaders emphasized the need for Aboriginal people to determine their own identity, protect their heritage, and make decisions affecting their community, rather than being controlled by the government or external entities.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
