Who experiences racism?

Education

Anyone can experience racist behaviour, such as being abused because of the colour of your skin. It’s never okay, even as a one-off incident. And it’s even worse for people who experience it frequently, many of whom also experience discrimination in other areas of their lives.

Groups that regularly experience racism include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. They also often have to deal with systemic discrimination, which limits their access to opportunities and resources available to people from Anglo-Australian backgrounds.

“I don’t see that casual racism is acceptable. People who perceive they have the right and luxury to engage in racist practices do not understand that they are adding to a lifetime of injury for those of us who have had to navigate racism.”

— Kath, 50

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Aboriginal man staring straight at the camera

A 2022 national survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples [1] found that:

60% had experienced at least one form of racial prejudice in the prior six months
This percentage is higher than in previous years (2018: 43%; 2020: 52%), indicating that that experiences of racial prejudice have been on the rise.

Imagine the impact that would have on you, your family and your community.

Intergenerational impacts of racism

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also still dealing with the effects of past laws and government policies which resulted in them being removed to missions and reserves or taken away from their families. These laws and policies have caused huge amounts of hurt and pain for individuals, families and communities, which shows up in lots of different ways - poor health, high rates of mental illness and family breakdowns.

In many cases this disadvantage has been passed from one generation to the next, meaning that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today miss out on the opportunities that other Australians take for granted.

Migrants

"alt="Muslim business woman working on laptop with man in background watching."

Many migrants, as well as refugees and people who seek asylum, also regularly experience racism, but not all in the same way. Their experiences are often shaped by when they came to Australia and where they have come from.

Migrants, especially those whose skin colour, speech or dress is different than we’re used to, are more likely to be targets of racism.

For example in 2024, research conducted by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute [2] found that people born in China, India, South-East Asia, Asia generally and Sub-Saharan Africa were significantly and substantially more likely to report experiencing discrimination in the prior 12 months, based on their ethnic origin, skin colour or religion than those born in Australia.

Impact of media

Media reports and commentary that use negative stereotypes about refugees and new migrants can fuel prejudice against these groups in the wider community. And these attitudes can make it very difficult for new arrivals to find housing and jobs, and to feel connected to their communities.

Stand up to racism

There are no reasons or excuses for racism. It's just wrong. And in many cases, racism is against the law.

If you witness or experience racism, you may want to report it, seek support, or support those who have been negatively impacted. Explore the 'Responding to Racism' section of Racism.It.Stops.With.Me website for information on services and reporting mechanisms available.

You can also get support or advice to deal with a difficult situation from organisations like Kids Helpline and ReachOut.