Labor faces criticism for inaction on anti-racism framework proposals

Federal Labor has been accused of inaction regarding a proposed anti-racism framework, nearly 18 months after receiving recommendations from the human rights commission. Race discrimination commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman wrote five letters and held at least two meetings with Attorney General Michelle Rowland, urging the government to adopt the framework. Rowland responded four times, stating that the recommendations were 'being carefully considered.'

The documents, released ahead of the royal commission into antisemitism, show no progress on the national strategy published in November 2024. Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi criticized the government, stating, 'Time after time, the race discrimination commissioner has urged this government to act, and every time his pleas have been ignored.' The framework includes 63 recommendations, such as establishing a national anti-racism taskforce and creating a standalone Human Rights Act.

Former cabinet minister Ed Husic expressed frustration over the government's lack of response, emphasizing the need to address racism in Australia. Islamic and Jewish groups have also called for action, with leaders urging the government to implement the framework to combat rising Islamophobia and antisemitism. Bart Shteinman from the Jewish Council of Australia described the framework as the most comprehensive approach to tackling these issues.

Power Read: The Labor government is now in a precarious position as it faces mounting pressure from various stakeholders, including its own members and community leaders. The lack of action on the anti-racism framework exposes Labor to criticism from both the opposition and its base, potentially undermining its credibility on social justice issues. As the royal commission prepares to deliver its findings in December, the government must navigate these demands carefully to regain leverage and demonstrate its commitment to combating systemic racism.

What to watch: The upcoming findings from the royal commission into antisemitism, expected in December, may influence Labor's response to the anti-racism framework.