Together Against Racism: The Work is Ongoing
June 2025 marks a significant milestone for our nation as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA). For five decades, the RDA has made it unlawful to mistreat people because of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or immigrant status. This landmark legislation also represented a significant step towards aligning Australia’s domestic law with its international human rights obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
While the RDA marked a critical step forward in the fight against racism and discrimination in our country, the struggle is far from over. In times like these, when we continue to confront systemic and overt racism in Australia, and when racialised migrants are labelled as ‘aliens’ and ‘invaders’ with often violent consequences abroad, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of racial equality and human rights.
This year also marks 50 years since Australia’s first multicultural policy was introduced. Notably, the federal government has recently announced the establishment of the new Office for Multicultural Affairs. On this occasion, we acknowledge the significance of this step and express our hope that the Office will take concrete action in line with the recommendations set out in the National Anti-Racism and Multicultural Framework Reviews.
“This month and always, we cannot afford to be bystanders. At Diversity Arts Australia, we commit to ensuring that everyone in Australia’s creative sector is free of racial discrimination, vilification, or abuse. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA), and welcome the establishment of a new federal Office for Multicultural Affairs, we want to shine a light, once more, on First Nations and CaRM creative workers and communities, here and overseas, who continue facing discrimination and systemic injustice. This is not simply a reflection moment, but a call for action: to tackle racism and promote equity”.
For more information on the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA), click here.