The Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) applauds the release of the An Anti-Racism Framework: Experiences and Perspectives of Multicultural Australia, a report commissioned by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and conducted by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA). The report’s findings reaffirm the urgent need for systemic reforms to combat racism in Australia.
The report, based on consultations with over 860 participants and a survey of 411 respondents, highlights the persistence of racism in workplaces, schools, healthcare, and interactions with law enforcement. It brings to light systemic discrimination against First Nations peoples and underlines the experiences of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including Asian Australians. AALA is deeply committed to addressing these issues, both within the legal profession and broader society.
Key Findings of the Report:
Systemic Racism: Racism extends beyond individual prejudice, permeating policies, practices, and institutions.
Workplace Discrimination: Many participants reported barriers to employment and promotion, including bias against individuals with non-Anglo names.
Education and Representation: Schools must adopt anti-racist curricula, ensure safe reporting mechanisms, and promote fair representation of multicultural Australians.
Legal and Institutional Reforms: The report advocates for mandatory anti-racism training and stronger reporting mechanisms across sectors, alongside the introduction of a Federal Human Rights Act.
AALA welcomes the report’s call for comprehensive, trauma-informed frameworks that engage directly with affected communities and emphasise the intersectional causes and consequences of racism. Asian Australians continue to face workplace barriers, media misrepresentation, and everyday discrimination. The report’s focus on these challenges is essential for shaping a more inclusive future.
Matt Floro, AALA National President, said: “This report aligns with AALA’s mission to advance diversity, equality, inclusion and access to justice. The findings reflect what many Asian Australians have experienced firsthand—systemic barriers to recognition, opportunity and advancement.
“As legal professionals, we recognise the central role that law and policy must play in dismantling these entrenched forms of bias, discrimination, and racism. AALA stands with other community groups to champion these much-needed reforms.
“AALA urges public and private institutions to engage with the report’s findings, adopt its recommendations, and join in fostering a more just and equitable society.
“Combatting racism must be a shared responsibility—one that ensures every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to fulfil their dreams in the country we call home.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Floro, 0403 935 811, president@aala.org.au.
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