Racism is widespread and normalized in Australia and can affect almost every part of a person’s daily life, according to a new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). National consultations with diverse and marginalized communities revealed first-hand accounts from hundreds of people who have experienced racism.

Report, Anti-racist frameworks: experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australiawas commissioned by the AHRC and conducted by the Federation of Ethnic Community Councils of Australia (FECCA). Among the key findings was that despite the diversity of people’s backgrounds – including where they lived, age, disability, sexuality, faith and cultural background – racism was widespread across the country and embedded in society.

The report found that racism often co-occurs with another form of discrimination, such as disability or gender discrimination, and occurs in schools, workplaces, public spaces and in interactions with healthcare or law enforcement.

The report also found that governments and the media are to blame for further marginalizing people through a culture of silence that ignores or minimizes incidents of racism or fuels division through sensational rhetoric.

Racial Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman: “These powerful and sometimes heartbreaking first-hand accounts from diverse and marginalized communities reinforce the fact that racism in Australia is pervasive, insidious and deeply harmful.

“The racism described is more than just hurtful words spoken to someone. It is systemic and often involves contact with a certain level of power whose power determines access to opportunities, basic needs, services or justice.

“Racism permeates almost every aspect of people’s lives, and in a way that has become so normalized that victims no longer feel they can talk about it and choose to ‘learn to live with it.’ Everyday racism is hidden in plain sight.

“People talked about how they felt they had to lose their identity to fit in, their experiences with subtle acts of discrimination or alienation at school, work or community, and the prejudice they felt when interacting with people in positions of power. Unfortunately, people feeling insecure because of their race is common.”

The report made 11 recommendations, including:

  • The Australian Government must lead the way for change and commit to a whole-of-society anti-racism agenda, for example through a national anti-racism framework.

  • Tackling First Nations racism must be at the forefront of reform.

  • Public and private institutions, including those in education, employment, health care and justice, must have policies in place to combat racism in all its forms. This includes incorporating prevention and redress mechanisms, reviewing all current policies and procedures for access to opportunities and services, and introducing mandatory anti-racism training.

  • Introduce a national human rights law, also in line with the key finding of the Commission’s landmark position Free + equal design.

“The first step to systemic change is breaking the silence around racism. Victims should no longer just ‘get on with it’,” Commissioner Sivaraman said.

“Racism is an obstacle to ensuring all Australians have the same opportunities, dignity, respect and access as others. We must urgently create a robust human rights system that ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all.”

FECCA conducted over 40 consultations with 860 participants from all states and territories and an online survey with over 400 responses. Each captured people’s personal experiences with racism and their ideas for solutions. The report is part of a package of work that will help prepare the National Anti-Racism Framework, which the Commission will present to the Federal Government on 26 November.

FECCA President Carlo Carli: “This report shows that the need for a comprehensive anti-racism strategy in this country has never been greater.

“We are delighted that the voices of survivors 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 push us all to confront and address the systemic nature of racism in Australia.

“By harnessing the insights of those who grapple with this issue every day, the National Anti-Racism Framework has the potential to dismantle discriminatory structures and build a fairer society for all.”

Read the report: Anti-racist frameworks: experiences and perspectives of multicultural Australia

Commissioner Sivaraman will publish the report today (17 October 2024) at the FECCA conference in Brisbane.

A separate report containing findings from consultations with First Nations communities will be published later this month. This is part of a body of work including this consultation report, which will feed into the development of the National Anti-Racism Framework.

ENDS | Media contact: [email protected] or 0457 281 897