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An anti-racism framework: experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia
Racism is common and normalised in Australia and can affect almost every part of a person’s daily life, according to this report. The report presents recommendations that followed consultations with more than 1200 people with lived experience of racism from across Australia. Participants call for the urgent implementation of a robust anti-racism framework in Australia, with education, institutions, public discourse and public leadership as the key pillars.
Among the key findings was that despite the diversity of people’s backgrounds racism was prevalent throughout the country and entrenched in society. The experiences shared by participants have reinforced findings from previous studies and brought to the forefront the solutions that those with lived experience of racism propose to build a society where racism is actively combated.
Recommendations
- Government must lead the way and commit to a whole-of-society, anti-racism agenda, such as through a national anti-racism framework.
- Schools must educate on racism, including First Nations experiences of settler colonisation, and take a strengths-based approach to racial diversity including via curriculum.
- Combating First Nations racism must be at the forefront of reform.
- In government institutions, healthcare and the police, anti-racism education for staff, including training for executive leaders, should be mandatory.
- Across all sectors, employers should review their recruitment and development pathways to ensure that diversity is reflected through genuine representation, career progression, and leadership roles.
- Media should employ more professionals from culturally diverse backgrounds that lead news and help to shape anti-racist narratives in Australia.
- A Federal Human Rights Act should be introduced to address the intersections of discrimination and to create national consistency around protection of human rights.
- The Australian Government should go beyond one-off projects by providing additional specific, long-term funding for a national anti-racism strategy.
