Topics: Race and diversity
In Australia, the terms ‘multiculturalism’ and ‘social inclusion’ are often used to recognise and celebrate Australia's cultural diversity – and celebrate we should - almost half of all Australians were either born overseas or had a parent born in another country. In addition, our country is also home to the world’s oldest continuing culture.
Multiculturalism, social inclusion or social harmony, either as policies or principles, all support the ideals of a democratic society in which every person is free and equal in dignity and rights.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has statutory responsibilities under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, which protects people across Australia from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. In 1995 the Act was extended to make racial vilification against the law.
The Act gives effect to Australia’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
To learn more about the role of the Race Discrimination Commissioner and the policy and program work the Australian Human Rights Commission carries out in this area see the Race discrimination web-section.
The Commission’s ‘rightsED’ resources/activities around race and diversity:
Useful Commission resources:
- Community Partnerships for Human Rights program web-section
- Face the Facts publication
- Voices of Australia magazine
- Know your rights: racial discrimination and vilification brochure
- It’s your right! ESL resources (designed for adult migrants)
- Complaints under the Complaints Racial Discrimination Act information sheet
- What’s the Score? – a survey and racism and diversity in Australian sport
- Cyber Racism fact sheet
- An International Comparison of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975
External resources:
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship – Diverse Australia Program and Harmony Day (http://www.immi.gov.au/)
- Racism No Way
- Play by the Rules
- National Multicultural Youth Advisory Network
- Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES)
- Australian Multicultural Foundation (AMF)
Complaints Handling Service or call 1300 656 419
