Act- take some simple steps to help end racism

Everyone is responsible for creating an environment where people of all cultural backgrounds can equally belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life. Learning about racism and sharing experiences with others gives confidence to take some steps towards ending racism.

Recognise and overcome your unconscious biases. Unconscious bias is an attitude towards a person, or a group of people, which we may not even be aware of.

Stay safe and keep the people around you safe if you witness or experience racism before considering other actions you can take.

Be there for people experiencing racism. Speak to, sit or stand next to the person experiencing racism to show your support. Check with the person experiencing racism how they would like to respond to the incident.

Report racism, wherever it happens:

  • In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.
  • If you are threatened with violence but there is no immediate danger, take photos, record the incident and call the Police Assistance Line (131 444).
  • If the incident is not a police matter and you cannot resolve the situation directly, or you do not feel comfortable, you can seek some general advice and make a complaint with the Anti-Discrimination NSW or the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). You can also lodge a complaint using the Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450.

Call out racism. If you feel it won’t put your safety at risk, tell the person responsible for the racist incident why their attitude or action demonstrates prejudice, is discriminatory or is likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group of people. They may reflect on what you’ve said and change their attitudes or actions.

Your contribution matters. If you take actions, others may too. You’ll never know how much your actions can mean to someone who experiences racism. Most importantly, our society is richer when everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life.

Find out how you would respond to racism through a short story where you will be asked to make some choices.