UPDATE: Australia is at a pivotal moment as Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman calls for immediate government action to combat racism, which he warns is inflicting significant economic damage. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, Sivaraman emphasized that racism is deeply embedded in the nation’s systems, stating, “It’s in every aspect of our society.”
In his urgent address, Sivaraman shed light on troubling statistics: job seekers with Anglo-friendly names are significantly more likely to receive callbacks than their counterparts with non-Anglo names. Furthermore, individuals with qualifications from non-English speaking countries frequently find themselves relegated to roles far beneath their actual experience.
“The racism that’s in our systems and institutions is stopping people from being able to thrive or simply be safe,” he asserted. “Taking action against racism doesn’t take anything from any person. It actually improves society for everyone.”
Sivaraman’s remarks come at a time when Australia grapples with heightened discrimination, particularly following the voice to parliament referendum held in October 2023. He highlighted the alarming rise in prejudice against Indigenous communities, asserting, “There can be no racial justice in this country without justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and that is abundantly clear.”
The commissioner urged the Labor party to commit to the national anti-racism framework established by the Australian Human Rights Commission last November. He stressed the necessity of a cohesive government approach, stating, “We need to face this issue with courage and honesty.”
Sivaraman also noted the disturbing patterns of discrimination that arise during societal tensions, referencing the surge in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside increasing reports of anti-Semitism and anti-Palestinian sentiment fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a proactive move, the Australian Human Rights Commission plans to launch an online survey next week to gauge experiences of racism among university students and staff nationwide. This initiative aims to establish a “baseline” understanding of prejudice within Australia’s higher education institutions.
“This survey will help illuminate the realities of racism in our educational landscape,” Sivaraman remarked. “Participants will remain anonymous, ensuring that we gather honest and impactful data.”
With these urgent calls to action, Sivaraman is leading the charge for systemic change in Australia. The conversation around racism is not just necessary but critical for the nation’s future. As Australia stands at this crossroads, it is essential for all citizens to engage in this dialogue and push for meaningful reforms.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the implications of these discussions could reshape the landscape of racial equity in Australia.
