A federal parliamentary inquiry into “racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations people” has been struck amid a “reported increase” of online racism directed at Indigenous Australians that will report back by September, NT Senator and Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy has announced.

Ms McCarthy said she recently wrote to the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs requesting the inquiry and that the committee accepted it.

The inquiry follows the alleged terror attack in Perth on January 26 at a rally and another alleged violent neo-nazi attack in Melbourne last year.

“It also coincides with a reported increase in racism against First Nations Australians, especially online,” Ms McCarthy said in a statement.

“I encourage First Nations people to engage with the inquiry and consider making a submission.

“There is no place for hate, intimidation or racism of any form in Australia.”

The inquiry will examine systemic racism, the role of online platforms, and measures aimed at preventing and responding to discrimination. It will also assess ideologically motivated extremism, review intelligence and law enforcement agencies’ efforts to protect communities, and examine initiatives to reduce the harm caused by racism, hatred and violence.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe said while she welcomed the inquiry, it needed to deliver “meaningful outcomes” after years of inquests and hearings producing little change.

“From deaths in custody, to child removal, to the destruction of Country, we have stacks of reports gathering dust,” she said. “Setting up an inquiry is the easy part. Acting on it is what counts.

“Urgent action now is still crucial, not just for First Peoples but for all black and brown people around the country who are seeing a rising threat.”

Ms McCarthy said she had heard from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are “feeling scared and angry in the wake of the alleged terrorist attack in Boorloo, Perth and last year’s attack on Camp Sovereignty”.

“I know this has been a difficult time for families and communities,” she said. “This inquiry ensures they can have their say and their experiences will be heard by the Parliament.”

The committee is calling for submissions to be received by May 1. Further information about the inquiry, including how to make submissions, is available on the committee website.