Mick Gooda

Sydney Morning Herald

Imagine reading your daily paper and constantly seeing comments that demonise your family or your friends. Imagine being the subject of disparaging comments dressed up as jokes.

Sadly, in 2010, that is still the reality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Sadly too, it is the reality for all Australians who are subject to this type of behaviour.

As a community, we need to start encouraging a culture where we tackle racism head-on. Research has shown that when a person publicly stands up against a racist incident, the likelihood of it happening again is lessened.

I don't know Andrew Johns or Mal Brown personally, so I don't know if they are racist. But I believe that the comments they have reportedly made are racist. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, I can say that the overwhelming sentiment from Indigenous Australians about these events is sadness. Why? These comments are quite simply offensive and hurtful.

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