Race Discrimination
Join us in building communities where people of all cultures and backgrounds feel safe, respected and included.
Meet the Commissioner
Giridharan Sivaraman
Giridharan Sivaraman commenced as Race Discrimination Commissioner on 4 March 2024.
Prior to becoming Commissioner, Mr Sivaraman was Principal Lawyer with Maurice Blackburn, where he led the firm’s Queensland Employment Law department, ran numerous state and national race discrimination cases and led the pro bono compensation scheme for underpaid 7-Eleven workers. He also held the position of Chair of Multicultural Australia from 2021-2024 and was a member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council from 2019-2024, where he was an advocate for the rights of victims of racial vilification.
He also appeared at a state parliamentary inquiry to demand legal reform to better protect the rights of victims of racial vilification. In his advocacy, he has committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of First Nations peoples.
Latest News
Race Discrimination Commissioner condemns neo-Nazi rally in regional NSW
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has condemned the neo-Nazi rally held in regional New South Wales on the weekend, warning it is further proof of the urgent need for a national strategy to combat racism.
Albanese’s cabinet reshuffle is a chance to reset the rhetoric on immigration and multiculturalism
As Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman writes for The Guardian Australia, the language used when speaking about those seeking our protection matters. He writes that Australia must take action against discrimination and racism – starting from the top.