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Commemorating 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act

Reflecting on progress, confronting challenges, and building an inclusive future  

In 2025, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) — a landmark in Australia's human rights history. The RDA was historic; it was the first piece of federal legislation to make racial discrimination unlawful in Australia. 

For 5 decades, it has been a cornerstone in the fight for equality, setting a legal and moral standard for the kind of nation we strive to be, one where everyone is treated with dignity, regardless of race, colour, descent, national origin, immigrant status, or ethnic origin. 

Explore the Racial Discrimination Act
A man in a white outfit holds a sign that reads Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, featuring illustrations of hands of different colors gripping bars.
A black-and-white photo shows a group of people marching and holding a sign that reads ABORIGINAL EMBASSY. Some raise their fists or flags, and a large partially visible banner is in the background.

Acknowledging those in action

As we commemorate 50 years of the RDA, we honour the ongoing strength and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those in negatively racialised communities who lead anti-racism efforts across the nation. 

We recommit to a future where racial equality is not just a legal standard, but a living reality for all. Let this be a moment of reflection and a catalyst for progress.

History of the RDA

Three men in suits sit at a table in a meeting room, smiling and conversing. A clock is visible on the wall behind them. Papers and folders are placed on the table in front of them.

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) was introduced by the Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's government and passed by the Australian Parliament on 11 June 1975.

It officially came into force on 31 October 1975, championed by Attorney General Kep Enderby. 

This was a major step in aligning Australia's domestic law with its international human rights obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Image: Attorney General Kep Enderby (left) with Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (centre) and Deputy Prime Minister Frank Crean (right).

Additional reading and media

 

 
Racial Justice Fundraising dinner keynote: Social Justice Commissioner Katie Ki…

 
Law Society Journal: Reflecting on Australia’s Racial Discrimination Act and th…

Get involved

Whitlam Institute event

This anniversary offers a critical opportunity to reflect and to act. It is a chance for individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to come together and renew their commitment to racial equality and justice and create lasting change. Whether it's through attending an event or sharing a resource, be part of a legacy where we envision our nation free from all forms of racial discrimination.

The Whitlam Institute 50th Anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act

This year marks 50 years since the introduction of one of Australia’s most powerful pieces of legislation: the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). To commemorate this milestone, the Whitlam Institute held a special community event at Parramatta Town Hall on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman delivered the keynote address.

You can read the full speech on our website.

Follow our social media for updates for more.

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Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture 

This year the Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture will feature a talented line-up of panelists to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act (1975). 

As a signature event at the Commission, the Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture honours the memory of the Hon. Kep Enderby QC (1926-2015), who as Attorney-General introduced the Racial Discrimination Bill in the House of Representatives on 13 February 1975.  

Find out more about the Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture. 

Image: Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman at the launch of the National Anti-Racism Framework, Town Hall Parramatta, 2024. 

 

Resources

National Anti-Racism Framework

Developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission with dedicated funding from the Australian Government, the National Anti-Racism Framework provides a roadmap for governments, business and community organisations to address all forms of racism in Australia.

Making a complaint under the RDA

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (the RDA) makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status.

The RDA also makes racial hatred against the law.

If you are someone who is experiencing racial discrimination or racial hatred and would like to learn more about how to make a complaint, visit Complaints under the Racial Discrimination Act.

Racism@Uni

Racism@Uni is a landmark study to examine the prevalence, nature, and impact of racism in Australian universities. Current university students and staff are invited to have their say and share experiences of racism on campus or in online environments.

Find out more about Racism@Uni. 

Myths and Misconceptions

The myths and misconceptions explored in this guide are common barriers to challenging our pre-existing ideas and learning more about racism. This resource will equip you with the tools to break down this barrier, learn more about race and racism and have productive conversations about combatting racism in our communities. 

Download and find out more about the guide.

The impact of the RDA

Since its enactment in 1975, the RDA has played a vital role in shaping a more just society.  

It has:  

Protected individuals: Thousands of people have relied on the RDA by making complaints to the Commission and initiating proceedings in courts to seek redress when facing discrimination in employment, education, health care, housing and other areas of public life. This includes protection from “indirect discrimination”, where there is a rule or policy that is the same for everyone but has an unfair effect on people of a particular race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin .

Set legal precedents: Landmark legal cases have clarified the meaning of racial discrimination and racial hatred, promoting accountability and transparency in institutions, businesses and workplaces across Australia.

Driven public awareness: The RDA has been an important platform for promoting anti-racism education and awareness campaigns across communities.

Inspired reform: The RDA paved the way for further human rights and anti-discrimination legislation, including the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).  

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Challenges and opportunities

While the RDA has made significant progress possible, systemic racism remains a persistent issue in Australia. 

First Nations peoples, migrants, people seeking asylum and negatively racialised communities continue to experience disparities in health, education, employment, and access to justice.  

Key challenges include:

Addressing systemic racism: Tackling institutional structures and policies that uphold and perpetuate   inequality and discrimination.

Ensuring access to justice: Many negatively racialised people face unfair treatment and outcomes in the justice system. Others facing racial discrimination or racial hatred also still experience barriers accessing legal systems and support.

Expanding public education: Ongoing efforts are needed to combat biases, stereotypes, and misinformation.  

Building inclusive institutions: Embracing a society where everyone is respected and can thrive free from discrimination must be part of our core values.