Australia politics live: stranded Australians return from Middle East; new inquiry into racism towards Indigenous Australians

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Martin FarrerMarch 4, 2026 at 08:53 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Australian evacuees stranded in Dubai due to recent Middle East tensions have returned to Sydney. Over 200 passengers arrived, including high school students and a charity worker, relieved to be home after being caught in the conflict zone. Meanwhile, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy announced a parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate, and violence directed at First Nations people. The inquiry, conducted by the joint standing committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, will investigate the reported increase in racism, particularly online, following events like the alleged terror attack in Perth and the attack on Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne. Submissions are open until May 1, with findings due by September 15.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Istanbul 40% Melbourne 40% United Arab Emirates 50% Perth ×250% Dubai ×260% Lebanon 60% Senator Malarndirri McCarthy ×280% Iranian missiles 90% Australia ×4100%

Keywords

racism 90% indigenous australians 80% first nations people 70% parliamentary inquiry 70% stranded australians 70% hate and violence 60% middle east 60% evacuees 50% travel warning 40%