Australia Multicultural report reveals discrimination as a major issue
Published on July 24, the report emphasizes the need for active measures to address racism, particularly the challenges faced by immigrant communities in Australia.
The latest report by the Australian government, titled “Towards Fairness: A Multicultural Australia for All,” identified discrimination and racism as the second most significant concern among 796 organizations, trailing only behind inclusion and belonging.
The report, released in July, highlights the ongoing struggles experienced by various communities like African Australians and Indian Australians, with the Chinese Community Council stressing the importance of fostering a stronger sense of belonging.
The submissions to the panel identified over 60 themes, with the top 10 including issues such as inclusion, discrimination, language services, and education. The report, delivered to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles in March, calls for collective efforts to combat racism.
According to Mr. Giles, the report urges governments and citizens to address racism actively, as it remains a significant challenge for many Australians. Discrimination and racism were ranked as the second most concerning issues in submissions to the review.
Concerns From Community Representatives
Community representatives from Asian, South Asian, and African backgrounds raised concerns about discrimination, with the Asian Australian Alliance highlighting the rise in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The African Australian Council also pointed out instances of racial profiling and unjust treatment faced by individuals of African descent, especially young people.
IndianCare echoed similar sentiments, noting ongoing racist incidents impacting the mental health of Indian Australians.
Additionally, the Chinese Community Council of Australia emphasized the importance of fostering a stronger sense of belonging to combat any feelings of exclusion within the community.
Furthermore, the report recommended the development of a sustainable national language policy and the establishment of a Multicultural Australia Commission to oversee the implementation of the proposed framework.
