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Race Discrimination

Almost one half of all Australians were either born overseas or had a parent born in another country. Our country is also home to the world’s oldest continuing culture.



The Racial Discrimination Act aims to ensure that Australians of all backgrounds are treated equally and have the same opportunities.

Under the Act, individuals can lodge complaints of racial discrimination and racial vilification with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

We undertake a wide range of activities to build awareness about the rights and responsibilities that individuals and organisations have under the Act.

There is also a major focus on undertaking research and education projects to tackle racism and promote greater understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds.

This work is led by Tom Calma, the Race Discrimination Commissioner and the Race Discrimination Unit (RDU). The RDU consists of two sections: