Shocking findings show racism not a problem of the past, requires action today

An overwhelming majority (70%) of the 76,000 participants surveyed have experienced indirect racism at university, while 15 per cent have experienced direct interpersonal racism, according to the Respect at Uni: Study into antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people report Worryingly, only six per cent of people who experience direct racism made a complaint to their university for fear of reprisals.

“This report clearly shows that racism is not a problem of the past. It’s something that an overwhelming majority of Australians continue to experience in the here and now,” said Violet Roumeliotis, the CEO of national non-profit SSI, which delivers services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities across the country

“Action is urgently required to keep all Australians safe from the harms of racism, including university students and staff.”

Ms Roumeliotis said the findings reinforced the pressing case for the federal government to fund and implement the National Anti-Racism Framework, which was finalised in November 2024 after extensive consultation with communities across the country. It sets out 63 recommendations for a whole-of-society approach to addressing racism across all parts of Australian society, including our education system.

“This framework has been sitting in government in-trays for over a year, at a time when social cohesion is crumbling under the strain of growing racism and racially motivated incidents,” she said.

Almost 80 civil society organisations have now signed a joint statement, convened by SSI, calling on the federal government to fully commit to the Framework.

“Tackling racism is an essential component of strengthening our social cohesion. When ordinary people experience racism and feel unable to speak up about their experiences, this fractures community trust.

“We urge the federal government to fully fund and implement the recommendations of the National Anti-Racism Framework without delay,” Ms Roumeliotis said.

About SSI:

Settlement Services International (SSI) delivers a range of human services that connect individuals, families, and children from diverse backgrounds with opportunities – including settlement support, disability programs, community engagement initiatives and training and employment pathways. At the heart of everything we do is a drive for equality, empathy, and celebration of every individual.

Media enquiries:

Hannah Gartrell, Head of Executive Communications and Media
M: 0423 965 956 | press@ssi.org.au