Racism in Australia: Historical Context, Current Issues, and Laws

This report provides a comprehensive overview of racism in Australia, tracing its roots from the historical treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to contemporary issues arising from increased immigration. It examines the causes of racism, including economic insecurity and perceived threats from foreign influences, and highlights the experiences of immigrants, international students, and Indigenous people. The report also discusses the impact of racism on the Australian economy and society, including its contribution to crime and terrorism. Furthermore, it outlines the legal framework in place to combat racism, including the Australian Constitution, the Racial Discrimination Act, and various court precedents. The report concludes by highlighting measures adopted by universities and government to combat racism. Case studies are included to illustrate real-world examples of racism in Australia. Desklib provides access to this and other solved assignments for students.

AUSTRALIA: A HOTBEAD OF RACSIM

RACISM
As per the Black’s Law
Dictionary, Racism refers
to policies that people or a
group of people of
different race are put
through, which are
generally offensive,
confronting and
antagonistic.
Discrimination based on
race, colour, ethnicity or
nationality.
Person made to feel
inferior.
Direct or indirect racial
discrimination.

BACKGROUND
Traces back in history of the Aboriginals
and Torres Strait Islanders of Australia.
Indigenous people deprived of right of full
citizenship due to foreign invasion,
colonisation and immigration.
Discriminations increased with the
increased immigration of Africans and
Asians.

CAUSE
Sense of insecurity due to foreign ‘white’
European invasion back in the 16th century.
Increased immigration from all over the
globe.
Economic insecurity, for the inhabitants loses
job to the immigrants.
Over-representation of international
students.
Overseas migration represented 6% of the
country’s population in 2013
(Humanrights.gov.au 2019).

RACISM AND AUSTRALIA
Researchers at University of Western Sydney held that:
 1 out of 5 people faces racism, at least in a year.
 10% of the surveyed people held racist views.
 77% of Muslim women experience some form of racism
while travelling on a public transport or in the street.
 65% of the indigenous people faced racial discrimination.
 Every 1 in 3 immigrants faced racial hurdle to find a job
for the first time
 7% of the immigrants faced restriction due to their visa
type (Abs.gov.au 2019).

IS IT TRUE?
Unfortunately, yes!
‘Uneducated bigots’ not primarily responsible for
racism.
Capitalists or the Ruling class divides the society.
While, the Media spreads it.
As reported by the News.com.au, “offensive big
bash banner that went viral” (News.Com.Au 2019)
New York Time wrote “Race Politics Is Back, but
what does that mean?” (Nytimes.com 2019)
In Eatock v Bolt [2011] FCA 1103, the
newspaper commentator Andrew Bolt was held
guilty of racial discrimination by the Federal Court
of Australia.

WHO ARE AFFECTED?
Boosted by
the capitalist
class,
suffered by
the working
class.
Immigrants
International
students
Racism
between
employer-
employee.

IMPACT
Negative perception diminished International
college applications.
Overseas students are the third largest
source of overseas or ‘export’ income.
Impact on Australian economy.

IMPACT
Racism leading
to growing
number of crime
and terrorism.
Apprehension in
the mind of the
common people.

LAWS AGAINST RACISM
Statutes and Precedents
The Australian Constitution
Australian Human Rights Commission Act
1986

LAWS AGAINST RACISM (contd)
The Racial Discrimination Act 1975
(RDA)
The Racial Hatred Act 1995
Prior v Queensland University of
Technology & Others [2016] FCCA
2853
McMahon v Bowman [2000] FMCA 3

DETERRING MEASURES UNDERTAKEN BY GOVERNMENT
The different legislations lay down various
provisions that impart deterrence in the minds of
the racists.
New stringent rules are also implemented.
Complaints to
 Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA)
 Australian Press Council for newspaper stories.
 Government held guilty of racial discrimination at
Canberra, as reported by The Canberra Times.
 Wanjurri v Southern Cross Broadcasting (Aus) Ltd
[2001] HREOCA 2