Beyond the pandemic, eliminating racism must remain an urgent priority
On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March), real action to address racism is an urgent priority, says Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton – and local councils are playing a vital role in helping multicultural and multifaith communities to take action.
21 March 2021
“Each year, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a poignant reminder of the discrimination and marginalisation some members of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities experience as they live their lives,” says Commissioner Hilton. “No one should have to accept racism as part of everyday life.”
Following widespread reports of racism during the pandemic, particularly targeting people from Asian backgrounds, 21 local councils are partnering with the Commission to make it easier for community members to report their experiences. The councils are hosting the Commission’s Community Reporting Tool on their websites – it’s an easy-to-use online reporting form that sends reports directly to the Commission.
“The councils hosting the Community Reporting Tool are sending an important message to their communities – that they value multicultural and multifaith communities and that there’s no place for racism,” Commissioner Hilton says.
“We’re so pleased that councils of all sizes – from inner-city neighbourhoods to regional hubs and rural areas – are supporting their communities to take action.”
Whether people want to make a formal complaint or just report something that has happened, reports through the Community Reporting Tool play an important role in helping the Commission understand how racism is being experienced in the community.
“We saw a significant increase in reports using the Community Reporting Tool over the course of the pandemic, and it’s clear that racism is a persistent and corrosive problem,” says Commissioner Hilton. “What’s important to note is that community members told us the heightened racism they experienced during the pandemic was really just an extension of the everyday racism they have to endure.”
Strengthening Victoria’s anti-vilification protections is one important way to address racism in the community, says Commissioner Hilton. Earlier this month, the Victorian Parliament’s Legal and Social Issues Committee handed down the report from its inquiry into the adequacy of Victoria’s Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.
“The inquiry’s 36 recommendations pinpoint crucial improvements in how we protect people from hate,” says Commissioner Hilton. “A real opportunity lies before us – to strengthen the legal framework for preventing hate, to lift the burden from individual complainants and ensure we can address racism at a systemic level.”
Similarly, the establishment of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission will be an important step in acknowledging the historic and ongoing racism experienced by Victoria’s Aboriginal communities, says Commissioner Hilton. “Truth-telling is an essential step in recognising and committing to address the racism, dispossession and other injustices that Victoria’s First Nations people have experienced over generations,” says Commissioner Hilton.
To support the Victorian Government’s multicultural strategy and broader work to address racism, the Commission is delivering the Reducing Racism project with funding from Fairer Victoria in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
The Reducing Racism project supports multicultural and multifaith communities to ensure greater numbers of Victorians, young people and advocates have the confidence and information to exercise their rights. The Commission is collaborating with councils and service providers throughout Victoria to empower community members.
People who have experienced racism or other types of discrimination or vilification can make a report via the Community Reporting Tool or contact the Commission’s Enquiry Line on 1300 292 153. The Commission can help you understand your rights and how you can make a complaint if you choose to. It’s a free and confidential service.
Councils interested in hosting the Community Reporting Tool can contact the Commission.
Media contact
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1300 292 153
Email: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au
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Councils and other organisations hosting the Community Reporting Tool
Ballarat African Association