Racism framework released
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The Race Discrimination Commissioner has unveiled a 10-year plan to end racism across the nation.
The National Anti-Racism Framework, launched by Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman, proposes reforms spanning justice, health, education, media, arts, workplaces, and data collection sectors, with a strong focus on the lived experiences of First Nations peoples.
The Framework includes 63 recommendations aimed at dismantling systemic racism embedded in Australian institutions.
Among its key proposals is the establishment of a National Anti-Racism Taskforce and a dedicated strategy to address the racism faced by First Nations communities.
It also calls for national truth-telling to acknowledge and address the historical impacts of colonisation.
“This is a historic moment in the fight against racism,” the Commissioner said.
He highlighted the systemic nature of racism in Australia, which, he noted, has resulted in poorer outcomes for First Nations and other racialised communities in areas such as health, education, and employment.
“Racism diminishes a person’s sense of self and corrodes one’s soul. It also corrodes the soul of our nation,” Sivaraman said.
The Framework was developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission and funded by the federal government. It is the culmination of over three years of consultations involving hundreds of organisations, government bodies, and individuals across Australia.
The process included focused consultations with 496 First Nations people and more than 860 participants from other racialised communities.
Among its 63 recommendations, the Framework calls for all medium and large employers to develop diversity strategies for hiring and retaining staff, and to implement anti-racism training that “include measures for preventing and responding to racism in the workplace”.
It includes specific sections on tackling racism in health, education and media. It also recommends bringing anti-racism materials into school curricula that “recognise and reject racism”, as well as a safe reporting mechanism for students, parents or teachers.
Participants identified systemic issues and stressed the need for First Nations sovereignty, self-determination, and truth-telling to remain central to anti-racism efforts.
“Racism causes incredible harm to First Nations peoples and communities,” said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss.
“The Framework is an important and unprecedented milestone in our country's history.”
She said there is a need to address racism through structural reform rather than viewing it as an individual problem.
“In culturally diverse societies like Australia, it is vital we translate support for multiculturalism into genuine equity and inclusivity,” said Peter Doukas, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia.
The report also highlights the impact of racism on refugees.
“Racism shatters dreams for a peaceful future. We must address the root causes of racism and the structures that enable it,” said Adama Kamara, Deputy CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia.
The Framework says systemic racism requires urgent action, particularly after recent global and national events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Voice Referendum, which brought renewed attention to racial inequalities.
“We are at a critical juncture. The Framework provides a path to make Australia more just, equitable, and inclusive. Change will not be instant, but it is possible,” said Commissioner Sivaraman.
The Framework will be formally presented to parliamentarians.
If adopted, it promises a transformative shift in addressing racism in Australia, with the potential to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive.
