National consultations show widespread, systemic racism damaging lives
Race Discrimination
Racism is commonplace and normalised in Australia and can affect almost every part of a person’s daily life, according to a new report for the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). National consultations with diverse and marginalised communities revealed first-hand accounts from hundreds of people who have experienced racism.
The report, An Anti-Racism Framework: Experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia, was commissioned by the AHRC and conducted by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA). Among the key findings was that, despite the diversity of people’s backgrounds – including location, age, disability, sexuality, faith and cultural background – racism was prevalent throughout the country and entrenched in society.
Racism, the report found, is often being experienced at the same time as another form of discrimination such as disability or sex discrimination, and is taking place in people’s schools, workplaces, public spaces, and during interactions with health services or law enforcement.
The report also found governments and the media are culpable in further marginalising people through a culture of silence, which either ignores or minimises incidents of racism or stokes divisions through sensationalist rhetoric.
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman: “These powerful and at times heartbreaking first-hand accounts from diverse and marginalised communities reaffirm the fact that racism in Australia is ubiquitous, insidious and profoundly damaging.
“The racism described is more than hurtful words being said to someone. It is systemic, often involving dealings with some level of authority, whose power determines access to opportunities, basic needs, services, or justice.
“Racism seeps into almost every aspect of people’s lives, and in ways that have become so normalised that victims don’t feel they can talk about it and decide to ‘learn to live with it’. Everyday racism is hidden in plain sight.
“People spoke of how they felt they had to lose their identity to fit in, their experience of subtle acts of discrimination or alienation at school, work or their communities, and biases they felt in dealing with those in power. Sadly, people not feeling safe because of their race is widespread.”
The report made 11 recommendations, including:
The Australian Government must lead the way to change and commit to a whole-of-society, anti-racism agenda, such as through a national anti-racism framework.
Combating First Nations racism must be at the forefront of reform.
Public and private institutions, including in education, employment, healthcare, and justice, must have policies in place to address racism in all its forms. This includes incorporating preventative and redress mechanisms, reviewing all current policies and procedures for accessing opportunities and services, and introducing mandatory anti-racism training.
Introducing a national Human Rights Act, also in line with the key finding of the Commission’s landmark Free + Equal Project.
“The first step to systemic change is to break the silence around racism. No longer should victims just ‘get on with it’,” Commissioner Sivaraman said.
“Racism is a barrier to ensuring all Australians are afforded the same opportunity, dignity, respect and access as others. We must urgently have a sound human rights protection system that establishes a safe and inclusive environment for all.”
FECCA conducted more than 40 consultations with 860 participants across all states and territories, and an online survey with more than 400 responses. They each captured people’s personal experiences of racism and their ideas about solutions. The report is part of a suite of work helping inform the National Anti-Racism Framework, which the Commission will deliver to the Federal Government on 26 November.
FECCA Chairperson Carlo Carli: “This report shows the need for a comprehensive anti-racism strategy in this country has never been stronger.
“We are delighted that the voices of people with lived experience of racism will help shape the National Anti-Racism Framework, driving meaningful change and accountability across all sectors. The courage of those who shared their stories should compel all of us to confront and address the systemic nature of racism in Australia.
“By incorporating the insights of those who endure this daily, the National Anti-Racism Framework has the potential to dismantle discriminatory structures and build a fairer society for all.”
Read the report: An Anti-Racism Framework: Experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia
Commissioner Sivaraman will release the report today (17 October 2024) at the FECCA Conference in Brisbane.
A separate report outlining insights from consultations with First Nations communities will be released later this month. It is part of a suite of work that includes this consultations report that will feed into the development of the National Anti-Racism Framework.
Image design copyright Bree Buttenshaw for Saltwater People (2024).
ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897