Responding to racism and support services for people who have experienced racism
Learn how to respond to racism and access support services. Covers antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia.
Summary
The Commission is concerned about the increase in racism targeting people from Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. This can take many forms including:
- Hate speech – offensive comments, racial slurs or stereotyping.
- Harassment – threats, intimidation or bullying, online or in-person.
- Discrimination – unfair treatment in employment, education or services.
- Violence and vandalism – physical attacks or damage to places of worship, homes or businesses.
- Misinformation and conspiracy theories - spreading false claims that reinforce negative biases.
- Gender-based discrimination – women can be at high-risk of racist attacks based on their cultural identities.
What do I do if I experience racism?
If you experience or witness any of this behaviour, there are steps you can take to protect yourself or others, and seek support:
Report it
Police
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000. If you are threatened or experience violence, report it to the police immediately. Taking a support person with you may help you feel safe while making a report.
You can also report behaviour that you think might be a criminal offense after an incident by phoning the police on 131 444.
Make a complaint
The Commission is committed to addressing all forms of racism. We:
- Try to resolve complaints of discrimination and racial hatred.
- Provide guidance on anti-racism policies and education.
- Work with communities to promote understanding and inclusion.
If you would like to find out more information or make a complaint under the Racial Discrimination Act , you can contact our National Information Service or make a complaint on our website. More detailed information, including translated factsheets about racial discrimination complaints is available.
Women experiencing discrimination can also make a complaint under the Sex Discrimination Act .
Information on how you can also make complaint in your language is also available.
eSafety Commissioner
For online hate speech or harassment, report the content to the relevant social media platform and eSafety Commissioner .
Community organisations
Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ): Incidents of antisemitism occurring in Australia can be reported on the ECAJ website.
Incidents of Islamophobia occurring in Australia can be reported directly on the Islamophobia register website.
State and territory anti-discrimination commissions
You may also be able to make a complaint to your state or territory-based anti-discrimination commission. What is unlawful can vary depending on where you live, more information about the reporting process can be found at the below websites.
Australian Capital Territory ACT Human Rights Commission
New South Wales Anti-Discrimination NSW
Northern Territory Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission
Queensland Queensland Human Rights Commission
South Australia South Australia Equal Opportunity Commission
Tasmania Equal Opportunity Tasmania
Victoria Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Western Australia Western Australia Equal Opportunity Commission
Further information
Support services
Arab community organisations Groups such as the Arab Council Australia and the Australian Arabic Council can provide support and referral pathways.
Jewish community organisations The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) as well as many other Jewish community organisations can provide support and referral pathways.
Muslim community organisations Groups such as the Islamophobia Register and the Australian National Imams Council can provide support and referral pathways.
Palestinian community organisations Groups such Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network can provide support and referral pathways. You can make a report online through to the Anti-Palestinian Racism website.
Counselling services Experiencing discrimination can be distressing. Services like Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and the Witness to War Hotline offer support.
Legal assistance If you believe your rights have been violated, organisations such as Legal Aid or community legal centres may assist.
