The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has released a framework aimed at ending racism.
The framework lists 63 recommendations, including a call for the Federal Government to set up a National Anti-Racism Taskforce.
It also called for the Government to create a strategy to end racism against First Nations people specifically.
AHRC
The AHRC consulted different “negatively racialised” communities across Australia to formulate the framework.
It said tackling racism needs to be approached with an understanding that it is “intersectional” and “community centric,” and that racism has varying impacts on different communities.
Many of its recommendations are focused on First Nations people and communities.
First Nations
The AHRC recommended more truth-telling opportunities for First Nations people.
This year, Victoria and Queensland held official truth-telling and healing inquiries. New Qld Premier David Crisafulli has committed to closing the state’s inquiry, however.
The Commission said an anti-racism plan for First Nations peoples – covering sectors including health, education, and the justice system – should be a Government priority.
Framework
The AHRC outlined a decade-long framework with two five-year phases to implement its plans. It covers every level of the Australian Government and community organisations.
Its key principles include:
- Recognising racism as a systemic issue
- Acknowledging the continued impact of colonisation on First Nations people
- Measurable targets for change and public reporting processes
- Truth-telling and self-determination for First Nations people
Taskforce
A key recommendation from the AHRC is the establishment of a National Anti-Racism Taskforce.
The Commission says the role of this taskforce would be to oversee the implementation of the framework.
It would involve government members and representatives from relevant organisations.
If implemented, the anti-racism taskforce would be co-chaired by the AHRC’s Race Discrimination Commissioner.
Commissioner
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said: “Racism diminishes a person’s sense of self and… it corrodes the soul of our nation.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kis said: “Racism causes incredible harm to First Nations peoples and communities”.
Kis described the framework as an “unprecedented milestone” for Australia.
“Those who are white can successfully navigate, access, and lead systems and institutions without having to shed their language, culture, religion, and other parts of themselves.”
AHRC Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman
Response
A spokesperson for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus told TDA: “There is no place for racism in Australia. No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe… The Government will now carefully consider the 63 recommendations”.
The Greens have called on the Federal Government to fund the framework.
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said the Government should establish “a standalone anti-racism [Minister] responsible for implementing this framework.”
