MEDIA STATEMENT
National racial justice organisation, Democracy in Colour, supports the Australian Human Rights Commission’s (AHRC) call for both federal and state governments to finally commit to the National Anti-Racism Framework as a crucial step toward building a more equitable and just Australia for all communities.
This Framework, which was released nine months ago, represents an opportunity to move beyond symbolic gestures toward meaningful structural change that addresses the root causes of racism in Australia. Yet the AHRC says despite the support of 100 key organisations, no federal or state government has committed to the Framework.
Any comprehensive approach against racism must begin with addressing institutional racism against First Nations peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to face systemic discrimination embedded in our institutions, policies, and practices. The disproportionate rates of incarceration, gaps in health and education outcomes, and ongoing dispossession cannot be separated from the broader fight against racism.
“Whether it manifests as anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Black racism, or discrimination against other communities, racism causes real harm and must be met with decisive action. No community should be left to fight racism alone, and no form of racial discrimination should be treated as less serious than others,” says Rochelle Francis, Democracy in Colour member of the board and Lawyer.
Democracy in Colour National Director, Noura Mansour, is calling on all levels of government to confront all manifestations of racism that inflict genuine harm upon marginalised communities with equal urgency and efficiency. Mansour also stands resolutely in defence of our civil rights as individuals, groups and communities to exercise our freedoms without fear of defunding, smearing, demonisation, or physical harm.
“The fight against racism cannot succeed in an environment where advocacy organisations, community leaders, and affected communities face retaliation for speaking truth to power. Democracy in Colour has witnessed too many instances where those who call out racism face coordinated attacks on their reputation and safety. We call on the government to commit fully to the National Anti-Racism Framework with adequate funding, clear timelines, and accountability mechanisms,” Mansour says.
The $37 billion economic toll of racism in Australia represents a staggering drain on the nation’s prosperity. Racism isn’t just morally wrong—it’s economically destructive. When businesses lose talented employees due to hostile work environments, when communities miss out on diverse perspectives that drive innovation, and when healthcare systems bear the burden of discrimination-related stress and mental health impacts, the entire economy suffers.
“The Framework provides a roadmap, but it requires political will and sustained commitment to transform good intentions into tangible change. Australia’s multicultural democracy depends on our collective ability to confront racism in all its forms and create a society where everyone can participate fully and safely,” Mansour adds.
Media Contact: Kristyn Maslog-Levis kristyn@democracyincolour.org