UPDATE: Australia is facing an urgent call to confront systemic racism, as the race discrimination commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, reveals that prejudice is inflicting a significant toll on the nation’s economy. In a bold address scheduled for Wednesday at the National Press Club in Canberra, Sivaraman will emphasize that racism extends beyond mere social interactions—it deeply impacts every facet of Australian life.
Sivaraman strongly rejected the term “casual racism,” stating, “It’s much more than skin deep; it can really scar you on your soul.” His comments come amid alarming statistics showing that job applicants with Anglo-friendly names receive more callbacks than their counterparts with non-Anglo names. Furthermore, individuals with qualifications from non-English speaking countries often find themselves underemployed, relegated to positions well below their experience levels.
“This is a critical time for Australia,” Sivaraman will assert, pressing for a comprehensive government approach to combat racism. He will urge the Labor government to commit to the national anti-racism framework established by the Australian Human Rights Commission last November. He stressed, “Taking action against racism doesn’t take anything from any person. It actually improves society for everyone.”
Sivaraman highlighted the pressing need for courage and honesty in addressing why systemic racism persists in Australia. “There needs to be fundamental change,” he said, underscoring the necessity for serious investment rather than the piecemeal responses seen from previous administrations.
The impact of recent events, such as the October 2023 voice to parliament referendum, has exacerbated discrimination against Indigenous people, according to Sivaraman. “There can be no racial justice in this country without justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” he stated emphatically.
He also pointed out the vulnerability of various ethnic communities during societal upheavals, citing the rise in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current surge in anti-Semitism and anti-Palestinian sentiment linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In response to these growing concerns, the Australian Human Rights Commission is set to launch an online survey next week targeting university students and staff nationwide. This survey aims to gather data on experiences of racism in higher education, providing a crucial “baseline” to understand the scope of prejudice within institutions. Participation will be anonymous, ensuring that respondents can share their experiences without fear of repercussions.
As Australia grapples with these pressing issues, the urgent message from Sivaraman is clear: it’s time for the nation to take action against racism, not just for the sake of those affected, but for the betterment of society as a whole. The push for change is not just a moral obligation; it is also an economic necessity that Australia can no longer afford to ignore.
Stay tuned for updates as Sivaraman’s address unfolds and as the Australian Human Rights Commission begins its survey on racism in higher education. The time for change is NOW.
