Landmark national plan seeks to end racism in Australia

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner today launched the most comprehensive plan ever for eliminating racism in Australia. Developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission with dedicated funding from the Australian Government, the National Anti-Racism Framework provides a roadmap for governments, business and community organisations to address all forms of racism.  

The Framework contains 63 recommendations for a whole of society approach to eliminating racism, with proposed reforms across Australia’s legal, justice, health, education, media and arts sectors as well as workplaces and data collection.

A key recommendation calls on the Australian Government to establish a National Anti-Racism Taskforce to implement the Framework’s recommendations, along with a dedicated strategy for eliminating racism experienced by First Nations peoples. The Framework calls for action to improve our national understanding of racism to inform the implementation of all anti-racism initiatives, programs, and policies.  

The Framework has been developed following three years of extensive consultations with hundreds of diverse community organisations, service providers, government departments and agencies, subject matter experts, and relevant community members.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman:  

“This is a historic moment in the fight against racism. For the first time we have a comprehensive plan for eliminating racism in Australia.”  

“Racism diminishes a person’s sense of self and corrodes one’s soul. In doing so, it corrodes the soul of our nation.    

“We all want to live in a world where everyone can thrive in ways that are important to them, regardless of their identity. Here in Australia, we like to think we’re the land of the fair go, but the reality is very different for many people who are affected by racism. 

“Throughout our consultation process, we heard consistently from First Nations and other negatively racialised people that systemic racism is deeply embedded throughout Australia and requires an urgent national response.  

“The racism that history has baked into our systems and institutions means many negatively racialised people in Australia – especially First Nations people – have poor health, education and employment outcomes, are over-represented in the justice system and are negatively represented in the media.  

“With alarming rises in racist behaviour during recent times, we’re at a critical juncture in the journey to address racism in Australia. Interpersonal racism is one symptom of the disease of systemic racism. Even if you don’t see that symptom, the disease still causes much damage across people's lives and needs to be treated.  

“Our new Framework provides the most detailed and wide-ranging approach in our nation’s history to eliminating racism from our civic institutions and for making Australia a more just, equitable and inclusive society where everyone can feel they belong and can thrive. A society in which everyone can thrive means a better society for all of us, including those not affected by racism.”

“I urge all Australians – especially our nation’s leaders – to embrace this vital opportunity for reform so we can ensure our nation lives up to its promise and becomes a true success story for all of us.”

Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss:  

“Racism causes incredible harm to First Nations peoples and communities, and we must meet this pernicious force head on. We cannot pretend that racism is confined to the behaviour of a few individuals. It is pervasive and can only be addressed through a comprehensive response. The National Anti-Racism Framework is an important and unprecedented milestone in our country's history. That we are at the point where we can name racism for what it is, locate it within the structures that surround us and develop a plan to transform those structures is worth celebrating, committing to, and fully realising.”

Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia Chair Peter Doukas OAM: 

“Australia prides itself on being a successful multicultural nation. However, it is important to recognise that embracing multiculturalism does not mitigate the issue of racism. In fact, in highly culturally diverse societies like Australia, it’s vital we all work together to ensure we translate support for multiculturalism into genuine equity and inclusivity for all. The National Anti-Racism Framework is a guide for delivering a society that works for everyone and implementing its recommendations should be a priority for governments, businesses and communities across our country.”

Refugee Council of Australia Deputy CEO Adama Kamara: 

“Many refugees and people seeking asylum come to Australia seeking safety and protection hoping for a better life, but their experience of racism – whether it’s on the street or within our civic institutions – can shatter their dreams for a peaceful future. We can and need to do better in relation to addressing the root causes of racism and the structures which enable it. We welcome the National Anti-Racism Framework and look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure people seeking refuge finding a new home in Australia can live free of discrimination."

National Anti-Racism Framework resources

Read the summary or the full National Anti-Racism Framework.

The following reports have contributed to the development of the National Anti-Racism Framework:  

Dismantling systemic racism – perspectives from First Nations peoples  

An Anti-Racism Framework: The Perspectives of Multicultural Australia  

Anti-Asian Racism Resources  

Mapping government anti-racism programs and policies

Race Reporting Handbook – a guide for media professionals on anti-racism

National Anti-Racism Framework Scoping Report

The Australian Human Rights Commission's separate research projects about legal reform on online racism and hate, racism in health, and anti-racism data are each expected to be published in early 2025.

ENDS | Contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897