Sunrise segment leads to Human Rights Commission complaint

The now-infamous Sunrise segment discussing placement of at-risk Indigenous children is now the subject of a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Fairfax reports a complaint was lodged on September 12, by a group of Aboriginal elders, leaders and some of those who protested outside Seven’s Martin Place headquarters.

Gadigal and Yuin elder, Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor, said in a statement “I found the Sunrise panel’s comments to be very racist and hurtful as my grandfather and his two brothers were stolen from their parents and put into the Kinchella Boys Home where they were treated very cruelly,” she said. “This broadcast has brought great sorrow and hurt for our people and contributed to the intergenerational trauma which today affects my family mentally, physically and spiritually.”

Sunrise later addressed the controversy with a more informed discussion with Indigenous participants.

Media watchdog was inaccurate and in breach of the Code but Seven will appeal the finding.

Seven declined to comment on the Human Rights Commission complaint.