In Australia, racism is unacceptable and against the law. Support is available for anyone experiencing any kind of racism or discrimination.
How am I protected?
The Racial Hatred Act
Australia's Racial Hatred Act is a national law that makes racial vilification unlawful. It means that people in Australia can complain to the Australian Human Rights Commission about racially offensive or abusive behaviour.
The Racial Discrimination Act
Australia's Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) protects you in many areas of life such as:
- Employment: getting a job, terms and conditions of a job, training, promotion and being dismissed.
- Education: enrolling or studying at an Australian education or training provider.
- Accommodation: renting a house or unit.
- Getting or using services: such as banking, transport, trades, legal or medical services, hospitality services provided by restaurants, hotels, shops or entertainment venues, and more.
- Accessing public places: such as parks, restaurants, hotels or shops.
What is racially offensive or abusive behaviour?
In Australia, it is against the law to do or say something that is reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group because of their race, colour or ethnic origin.
It's against the law, even if someone claims it's "just a joke" or a "just a meme".
Examples could include:
- Racially offensive material in print or on the internet, such as:
- racist posts or posters
- racially offensive cartoons, ‘memes’ or other images.
- Racially offensive behaviour or language in a public place, like a workplace or a shop, such as:
- calling people racist names
- making racially offensive comments, jokes or gestures
- any racially motivated abuse or violence.
How to get help
If you have experienced racial abuse or feel unsafe, please contact the police.
- For life-threatening or dangerous situations: Call the national emergency number, triple zero (000).
- For non-urgent issues: Call the national Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Ways to report racism
You have the right to speak up and seek support.
If you experience racism, try and get as much evidence as you can (video, screenshots, dates, witness names etc).
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is a national organisation that handles complaints about racial discrimination. You can make an online complaint or call 1300 656 419.
You can also get help from a local state and territory organisation, such as:
- Australian Capital Territory – ACT Human Rights Commission: 02 6205 2222
- New South Wales – Anti-Discrimination NSW : 1800 670 812
- Northern Territory – Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission: 1800 813 846
- Queensland – Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland: 1300 130 670
- South Australia – The Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity: 08 7322 7070 or 1800 188 163
- Tasmania – Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner: 03 6165 7515
- Victoria – The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission: 1300 292 153
- Western Australia – Equal Opportunity Commission Western Australia: 08 9216 3900
Other places to get support
If you experience racism:
- on campus: get help from your education provider's support services.
- at work: contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- from your education provider: contact the National Student Ombudsman or your local state or territory ombudsman.
- online: make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission or the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
If racism impacts your wellbeing, you can reach out to services like:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Headspace: For young people aged 12–25
- ReachOut: 1800 55 1800 (for under 25s)
These services are free and confidential. Find out more about mental health support.
Speak up and spread the word
Remember that racism is never ok and that you have the right to support and protection if you do experience racism.
Speak up, safely and thoughtfully. Even sharing something like this blog helps. You can also get involved more actively with campaigns such as Racism. It Stops With Me.
You are very welcome in Australia, and we are so grateful that you are here bringing your ideas and culture to help make it the diverse nation that we are.
