Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner has urged a nationally cohesive strategy to tackle racism in all its forms, welcoming a federal push to address a rise in antisemitism while stressing that any new measures must protect fundamental rights.
The intervention follows the delivery last week of a report by Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, outlining strategies to counter an increase in antisemitism. A report from Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, is due next month with recommendations to address a rise in Islamophobia.
Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman: ‘I acknowledge the work undertaken by both Special Envoys and welcome their continued focus on addressing racism and discrimination in Australia.
‘The Australian Human Rights Commission is conducting a study to better understand the experience and prevalence of racism in university settings – with findings due to be delivered to the Australian Government in December – and is engaging with and developing tools to support communities affected by increased racism since 7 October 2023.
‘There are critical actions that must be taken to ensure safety and freedom from discrimination for Jewish communities across the country. The Commission has long advocated for a nationally cohesive strategy to address racism in all its forms, including antisemitism. I support Ms Segal’s recommendation for a national approach to addressing antisemitism.
‘Our National Anti-Racism Framework provides a clear roadmap to do just that. I note that some of Ms Segal’s priorities align with our Framework, including recommendations for reforms across Australia’s education, media and social media sectors which could be implemented over the short term.
‘The Framework also acknowledges that different communities experience racism in different ways and that community-led solutions should inform the development and implementation of all anti-racism efforts under the Framework.
‘The Framework also recommends updating the Racial Discrimination Act to include a ‘positive duty’ which is a requirement for those with obligations under the Act – such as employers and service providers – to take active steps to prevent racial discrimination from happening in the first place. This would be a significant reform that would address many concerns raised in the Envoy’s report.
‘While Ms Segal’s report outlines a range of issues, it contains only limited detail on how proposed actions would be implemented. I note concerns have been raised about the human rights implications of her recommendations. The Commission has requested a briefing from the Special Envoy to further discuss her proposed reforms and these implications.
‘The Commission will engage with Ms Segal as well as the Australian Government to provide expert advice on the human rights implications of Ms Segal’s proposals to ensure any measures under consideration don’t restrict fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of expression and the independence of important institutions.
‘We look forward to continuing this important dialogue and contributing to a safer and more inclusive Australia for all communities.’
Sivaraman is scheduled to deliver an address at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 6 August, focusing on advancing racial equality in Australia.
