'Race should not divide Australians': New commissioner Chin Tan

Australia's new Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan says ensuring people have access to opportunities will be critical in the ongoing fight against racism.

Mr Chin Tan - New Race Discrimination Commissioner Source: SBS

The Malaysian-born lawyer turned academic believes its a misconception to say 'Australia is a racist country'.

"There are obviously racial challenges many countries would have," he told SBS News.

"But it's not the same as equating the whole nation as being racist."

Mr Tan replaces Tim Soutphommasane after he completed his five-year term in the office. (SBS)

SBS

"I've always espoused the view that Australia, compared to many other countries around the world, has a far better system, in the sense that it is a non-discriminatory system right across, and that has given us the backbone to be able to find opportunities in this country as well."

But he said to ensure that remains the case means ensuring equality in access to opportunities for individuals.

"I think education is an important element about defeating, combating, tackling racism. The counterpart arrangement is to ensure that we provide opportunities for people to get ahead financially, economically, socially.