Thursday, 17 September 2009
Show the ‘race card’ and then act to address it, says Race Discrimination Commissioner
Race Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes has today outlined some initiatives that the Australian community could take in the wake of recent reports of racial violence.
“I am saddened to hear about the recent incident in Melbourne where four men from Indian backgrounds were assaulted apparently because of their race,” said Commissioner Innes. “Racially motivated violence is unlawful in Australia. It leaves a negative and lasting impression on the individuals that are targeted and their families and friends in Australia and abroad.”
“I am also deeply concerned by public calls for retaliation. We learned from the Cronulla riots that retaliation leads to arrests, injuries and fragmented local communities. I strongly urge affected communities in Melbourne to remain calm at this time and to contact your local police if you have specific concerns.”
Mr Innes said that attacks against Indian students, and other Australians of Indian descent, confirms his concerns that we - as a community - have dropped the ball on multiculturalism.
“We need a multi-layered approach to addressing this problem. First, we should show the ‘race card’ – that is, publicly acknowledge that racism exists in our society, as it exists in all societies, and then act to address it,” Mr Innes said.
“Second, we need a clear and positive multicultural policy at a national level, which promotes respect and inclusion in the community. Changes to the Citizenship Test announced today by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, demonstrate good progress in this area.
“We need strong moral leadership to prevent the demonising of particular groups. The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard's comments in August 2009 that the Australian Government has a zero tolerance of racism are welcomed and demonstrate the leadership required. However, this needs to be backed up by national investment in anti-racism programs and program infrastructure.
“Finally, we need to strengthen the legal protection by making serious racial vilification and racial violence a criminal offence,” Mr Innes said.
The Australian Human Rights Commission will be hosting the Australia and New Zealand Race Relations Roundtable meeting in Sydney on 4 November 2009. The meeting, which includes the Australian Human Rights Commission, New Zealand Human Rights Commission and members of the Australian Council of Human Rights Agencies (ACHRA), will focus on issues relating to international students, including intercultural violence.
Media contact: Paul Oliver on 02 9284 9880
