Written by Thana Roysmith
Racism is a human rights violation. It is not acceptable. Every one of us can play a role in combatting racism. Racism will not exist if everyone respects and accepts a person to be who they are and how they wish to live their life.
In 2022 a national campaign -‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ was launched by Australia’s Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan. This campaign was originally launched in 2012. The aim of this campaign is for people to understand racism and to take action against it.
Definition of Racism
“Racism is when an individual or organisation with race-based societal power discriminates, excludes or disadvantages a racially-based person because of their race, colour, descent, nationality, ethnicity, religion or immigrant status. Racism can be conscious or unconscious, active or passive, obvious or subtle. Specifically, there is interpersonal racism, which is individuals’ beliefs, attitudes and actions that discriminate, exclude or disadvantage people from racially marginalised groups. There is also systemic racism, which is organisations’ policies, procedures and practices that directly or indirectly discriminate, exclude or disadvantage people from racially marginalised groups.”
Source: Diversity Council of Australia
Strategies to combat Racism at your Workplace
- Be inclusive irrespective of people’s age, ability, colour, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexuality and other differences
- Provide culturally appropriate care by understanding consumer’s individual needs
- Use appropriate and respectful language when speaking to consumers or staff
- Encourage staff to report incidents and ensure they are dealt with in a timely manner
- Support staff who make a complaint
- Avoid being a bystander – intervene on behalf of the victim – support and report
- Place anti-racism posters at your workplace.
- Have organisational policies and protocols in place towards zero tolerance to racism
- Ensure all staff including management to attend culturally competent training (contact the Multicultural Advisors in your local areas – contact numbers provided on the back page)
Resources
