Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has highlighted the importance of Australia’s diversity, saying it strengthens the nation and enriches government decision-making.
Posting on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Albanese said the government is committed to ensuring “every Australian feels safe and respected, no matter what language you speak, or what faith you practise.”
“Different backgrounds, different perspectives, all making us a better government.”
The day, observed annually on 21 March, marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, when police opened fire on peaceful protesters opposing apartheid laws, killing 69 people.
The Albanese Government said it recognises both the historical and ongoing significance of the day.
“Racism is not an abstract thing of the past,” Dr Anne Aly, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said in a statement.
“Over the last year alone, there have been incidents where Australians have been killed, attacked or vilified because of their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs.”
The statement described such attacks as unacceptable and incompatible with Australia’s values of fairness, respect and equal opportunity.
The government outlined its approach to combating racism, including comprehensive hate speech reforms, the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, programs addressing racism in schools, a national anti-racism campaign titled There’s nothing casual about racism, and direct support for diverse communities. It has also tasked the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs with an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations people.
Dr Aly observed these initiatives aim to ensure all Australians can live, work and participate in society free from prejudice. “That’s the Australia we all deserve,” she said, “and that’s the Australia the Albanese Government is working to build every day.”
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