New anti-racism strategy proposed amid surge in race-based attacks

A draft anti-racism strategy has been unveiled, with hopes it will counter an upsurge of raced-based attacks in Australia.

An anti-racism protest held in Melbourne a week after the 2005 Cronulla riots. Source: AAP

The proposed framework includes:

• Centralising data collection to ensure the nature and prevalence of racism is fully understood
• A review of the current legal  framework to ensure it effectively protects people from racial hatred; and
• Racism prevention programs.

"The time is right with the events around the world and with the issues confronting this country. We've seen signs of the emergence of racism in this country itself." - Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner, Chin Tan

The Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has also welcomed the proposal.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke speaks during Question Time at Parliament House. Source: AAP