This policy position paper highlights the ongoing and pervasive nature of racism in Australia and the ways systemic racism continues to be experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but particularly their children, and calls for urgent action to support local, community-led responses and drive systemic reform to protect and promote their wellbeing.

When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities experience either direct or vicarious racism – be it at school, in sports, when accessing services or in public spaces, online and in the media – this impacts their sense of belonging and connection.

Recognising that racism is a fundamental cause of health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the paper seeks to identify current national health policies and frameworks that address racism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s health, highlight any gaps in these policies, and provide calls to action to address these gaps and to better protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The paper examines racism within the education, healthcare, child protection and criminal justice systems.