Today, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and recognise the deep historical significance and continuing importance of this Day.
The International Day each year falls on the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre, commemorating the 1960 killing of 69 people who were fired on by police, without warning, while peacefully protesting the South African Government's oppressive apartheid laws. In honouring this Day, the Albanese Government reaffirms our commitment to fighting racism in all its forms.
Racism is not an abstract thing of the past. Over the last year alone, there has been no shortage of incidents where Australians have been killed, attacked or vilified because of their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs.
Such attacks are unacceptable and have no place in Australia. Racism is not just a personal offence; it is a direct attack on the values on which Australia is built. Our Australian way of life, embodying a fair go for all is simply not compatible with any notion that some Australians are less entitled to dignity, safety and respect than others.
Governments, organisations and individuals each have a role to play in standing against racism and fighting for our deep-rooted Australian values of a fair go, mutual respect and equal opportunity for all.
The International Day is an important reminder of the work that remains in our ongoing fight against racism and the significant damage it causes.
Exclusion, suspicion and language or acts that diminish a person's humanity corrode our social fabric. Racism causes lasting damage to individuals and communities across our nation.
We cannot dismiss racism as someone else's problem, nor can we expect those who experience it to carry the burden of ending it alone.
The Albanese Government is working with local communities to combat racism head on, with significant programs and projects underway right across government.
This multi-faceted approach includes comprehensive hate speech reforms, the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, actions to address racism in education settings, a new anti-racism campaign: There's nothing casual about racism, and direct funding to support diverse communities.
We have also tasked the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs to conduct an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
We're taking action because every Australian should be able to live, work and participate in our community free from prejudice, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
That's the Australia we all deserve, and that's the Australia the Albanese Government is working to build every day.
