Responding to racism
The review, led by an independent panel, was released by Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Andrew Giles on Wednesday 24 July. Following more than 1000 public consultations and submissions, the review makes 29 recommendations to the Federal Government around creating policy and practices that better support the rights of multicultural communities.
Some of the recommendations include improving diversity of recruitment in the public sector, promoting national diversity and inclusion standards, investment in community-driven solutions, truth-telling about our history with First Nations people, that Australia formally observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and a revitalised language policy across government systems.
Commissioner Sivaraman welcomed the call to acknowledge people’s experiences of racism and discrimination and support for the Human Rights Commission’s anti-racism strategy.
“For years, people of racially marginalised backgrounds have been calling for a greater say in the policies that affect them and shape their lives,” Commissioner Sivaraman said.
“We agree that listening to and including the voices of hardly-reached communities in policy-making should be a priority. The Multicultural Framework Review is a necessary first step to help dismantle systemic racist practices that restrict the rights of so many in our country.”
Commissioner Sivaraman said many of the recommendations are aligned with the Commission’s work in developing a National Anti-Racism Framework, which is a comprehensive and coordinated approach against racism for the whole of society. That includes governments, business, schools, and the wider community.
“If Australia wants to live up to its dream of being an inclusive society that truly embraces its diversity, we need an embedded national strategy to combatting systemic racism,” Commissioner Sivaraman.
The Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework for Australia is set to be delivered to the Federal Government before the end of the year.