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2w ago

Race Commissioner Demands Federal Backing for Anti-Racism Framework Ahead of University Survey

He warns unchecked discrimination carries heavy social and economic costs, noting the government has yet to endorse the AHRC’s 63-point roadmap.

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Australia’s race discrimination commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
The war in Gaza has triggered a "terrifying surge" of racism, according to Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman, who urged the government to act in a speech on Wednesday afternoon.

Overview

  • Giridharan Sivaraman used his August 5 National Press Club address to press Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for formal adoption and funding of the AHRC’s National Anti-Racism Framework.
  • The framework, released in November 2024, contains 63 recommendations spanning legal, justice, health, education, media and arts sectors to embed a whole-of-government response to racism.
  • Sivaraman highlighted systemic bias’s toll on Australia’s economy and quality of life, citing evidence that applicants with Anglo-friendly names receive more callbacks and migrants often work below their qualification levels.
  • He pointed to a 'terrifying surge' of antisemitism, anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic incidents linked to the Gaza conflict and recalled increased anti-Indigenous prejudice following the failed Voice referendum.
  • Next week the AHRC will launch an anonymous online survey of university students and staff to establish a national baseline of racism on campus.