The Struggle to Be Seen, the Power in Being Heard is the most comprehensive account of its kind since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military response. The report forms part of the Seen & Heard project, commissioned to better understand how the war in Gaza, the associated humanitarian crisis, and widening regional hostilities are affecting communities in Australia.
The findings are based on extensive community consultations conducted by the Commission between February and August 2025.
Pain, fear and fractured belonging
Participants described profound pain and distress caused by escalating racism, with many reporting that hostility and discrimination had intensified since the outbreak of the conflict. Across communities, racism was said to be deeply damaging to wellbeing, personal and professional relationships, and feelings of safety and belonging.
“I think everyone – and I’m sure this extends to the Arab, Muslim, Palestinian communities in Australia – everyone feels on edge about talking about where they come from, talking about or being open about where they come from. I certainly know for myself, I’m very selective about who I speak to about not only my work, but my background,” said one Jewish participant.
Individual experiences, shared patterns
While community members shared diverse perspectives and lived experiences, common themes emerged in how racism operates and the harm it causes.
Racism was described as diminishing communities, silencing individuals, and dismissing or denying lived experiences. Participants described profound impacts on their physical and mental health. Many reported feeling unsafe and increasingly alienated from Australian society.
“We kind of constantly have to justify – not only justify, but we have to keep making the case for our humanity. Nobody should have to do that. We are human, and we shouldn’t have to keep reinforcing the fact that Muslims should be considered humans and looked at equally, or Palestinians or Arab or anyone – anyone,” said a Muslim participant.
Many accounts highlighted how racism was embedded in social norms, institutional policies and systemic practices.
“… We see institutions who are more afraid of a complaint coming through and will silence someone,” a Palestinian community member said.
“To be honest… I wouldn’t go to the higher-ups anymore. I’ve tried to deal with them; they were useless. They don’t really care so I just deal with it myself. That’s what it’s got to. I just have to deal with it myself with my friends, with the people around me, my family,” a Jewish community member said.
Institutional failures
Education settings and workplaces were consistently identified as environments where racism was most acutely experienced. Participants reported discrimination in recruitment, retaliation for speaking out, loss of employment or professional opportunities, and punitive or ineffective complaints processes.
Culturally safe supports were often lacking. Many said the failure of leaders to meaningfully address racism—and the reluctance or inability to act even when formal mechanisms existed—compounded harm and distress.
Across communities, participants said Australia was poorly equipped at both systemic and interpersonal levels to confront racism, underscoring the need for coordinated national action.
National Anti-Racism Framework
The Commission has reiterated its call for the Australian Government to implement the National Anti-Racism Framework, released a year ago, as an urgent priority. It emphasises the need for a comprehensive, whole‑of‑society approach—one that transforms systems, shifts culture, and addresses structural inequality.
Reforms in workplaces, education settings, the legal system, within police forces and across government to improve understanding of racism and build capacity to identify and effectively address it were consistently flagged as urgent priorities by communities in the report.
Many participants pointed to the lack of meaningful consequences for those who commit racist harm. The role of political leaders in shaping public discourse on race was seen as critical, alongside more responsible media reporting and stronger accountability for digital platforms in managing racist content, mis- and disinformation.
Building capacity for difficult conversations
Participants also identified a need for greater public capability to engage in complex and sensitive conversations about race, Israel and Gaza. Community organisations should be resourced to develop programs that help people navigate these discussions safely and constructively.
The report calls for government‑funded, evidence‑based and trauma‑informed training across workplaces and institutions to support respectful engagement and reduce harm.
Support services
A number of formal support services are available to individuals who have experienced racism.
Read the full NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association report here
