The Federal Government has launched Australia’s National Anti-Racism Strategy, with Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Senator Kate Lundy calling on all Australians to stand against racism.

 

The Racism, it stops with me strategy sets out a three year plan for Government to work with community partners to combat racism across schools and higher education, the media, government service providers, workplaces and the internet.

 

"It's not cool to laugh at a joke that just isn't funny - you can speak out for others," Ms Roxon said.

 

"Comments like 'I'm not racist, but...' aren't okay and we all need to step in and pull people up.

 

Senator Lundy said the strategy was a key initiative of our national multicultural policy, The People of Australia, and confirmed the government's continued commitment to a national partnership to combat racism.

 

"The new national strategy reaffirms the government's strong opposition to all forms of racism, discrimination, intolerance and prejudice," Senator Lundy said.

 

"Racism discounts people's contribution, locking them out of social and economic opportunities and entrenching disadvantage.

 

"The tagline: 'Racism. It stops with me' makes it absolutely clear that the strategy starts at a grassroots level and everyone in Australia can work to combat racism when they see or experience it.