Recommendation 128

Australia has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws at federal, state and territory level that are the subject of ongoing review and public debate. The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) makes discrimination on a range of grounds unlawful, including race, colour, descent and national or ethnic origin. The Australian Government supports the National Anti-Racism Strategy and its related public awareness campaign, Racism. It Stops With Me. The Scanlon Foundation’s 2016 Mapping Social Cohesion report found that 86% of the community reported that multiculturalism has been good for Australia.

Australia has had a dedicated federal Race Discrimination Commissioner since 1986. The Commissioner is established within the Australian Human Rights Commission by the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). The Commissioner’s functions include promoting understanding and acceptance of the Act, and developing research and educational programmes to combat racial discrimination. The Commissioner leads the National Anti-Racism Strategy and the ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign. Information about the current Commissioner and work underway can be found on the Race discrimination page on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

Multicultural Australia: United, Strong,Successful Australia’s national statement on multicultural affairs, renews and reaffirms the Australian Government’s commitment to a multicultural Australia setting policy and program priorities and directions for the coming years.

Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) engage with key culturally and linguistically diverse communities around Australia to discuss policies and programs and to explore community sentiment and dynamics.  CLOs help connect communities over responsibilities including multicultural affairs, social cohesion, migration, and citizenship.
The Australian Government’s national annual Harmony Day campaign engages the community in celebrating Australia as a vibrant, diverse and multicultural society that is united by Australia’s shared values. It aims to strengthen social cohesion by fostering greater understanding of racial, religious and cultural diversity.

The Australian Multicultural Council, an advisory body to the Australian Government on issues of multicultural policy and programmes, provides support and advice on advancing programs and policies aimed at building harmonious and socially cohesive communities.