Monday, 31 October 2005
'Voices of Australia' - stories of the good and bad faces of race relations in Australia over the past 30 years
Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma and the Attorney-General, The Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, launched the 'Voices of Australia' project in Canberra today to mark the 30 th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act - Australia's first anti-discrimination law.
"Thirty years on, the Racial Discrimination Act continues to give significant protection to many people who would otherwise be unable to enjoy the same rights as others because of their racial or ethnic background," said Mr Calma.
"But laws alone are not enough to eradicate racism in our society. We also need to understand one another and learn from each other's experiences so we can enjoy the great benefits of our cultural diversity. One way of doing this is to share and listen to each other's stories."
The 'Voices of Australia' project features a collection of real-life stories about diversity and living together in contemporary Australia as well as other information about the Racial Discrimination Act, in a range of print, audio and website resources.
Almost 500 stories were received from people of all ages and backgrounds from around the country - their stories are warm, funny, painful and moving.
Around 100 stories have been published in a colour magazine and many more have been placed on the website at www.humanrights.gov.au/voices. The Commission has also recorded audio interviews that have been produced on a CD, or can be downloaded from the internet so you can hear and experience them directly.
"These stories paint a very descriptive picture of the good and bad faces of race relations in Australia over the past 30 years. They tell of the experiences of high profile identities and sporting heroes, grandparents, parents, aunties and uncles, sisters and brothers, neighbours, acquaintances, friends and even strangers. Stories are told by the original inhabitants, Indigenous Australians, and by all who have made Australia their home, be they new or old migrant or refugee Australians," Mr Calma said.
"The stories remind us that Australia is a society of many diverse communities. Yet they also remind us that within our diversity there are values that many of us share. One of these common values is that racism and discrimination have no place in our community."
In the coming months, the Commission will also be producing complementary curriculum-linked education resources for primary and secondary school students to support classroom discussion of racial issues.
The 'Voices of Australia' resources will be distributed to community groups, schools, libraries, local councils, religious groups, government agencies and the general public.
Media contact: Paul Oliver on 02 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 31 October 2005.
