Too many Australians experience racism, prejudice and discrimination on a regular basis. Racism locks people out of social and economic opportunities. It costs workplaces and our economy and it works against our goal of building fair, inclusive communities.
Racism is determinant of health outcomes for ethnic minority groups, refugees and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Racism is often not considered as a health issue, but we know that “among young Aboriginal people aged 16–20 years living in the Top End of the Northern Territory, the experience of racism was associated with anxiety, depression, suicide risk and overall poor mental health after adjusting for confounders.”1
Racism affects health and healthcare access. To achieve equity in health services requires diversity in the organisations of services. Multifaceted anti-racism interventions are required. Considering racism as a determinant of health outcomes is an important step in setting research agendas and achieving change from individuals, health services and organisations.
Racism. It Stops With Me aims to
1. Ensure more Australians recognise that racism is unacceptable in our community
2. Give more Australians the tools & resources to take practical action against racism
3. Empower individuals & organisations to prevent & respond effectively to racism
We ask all Australian health professionals to get involved in this campaign. Recognise that racism is unacceptable in our community. Help your colleagues, friends and patients to take practical action against racism. Empower your colleagues and the organisations that you are involved in to prevent and respond effectively to racism.
Click here to read the speech of Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke.
Click here to visit the official campaign website. Racism. It Stops With Me.
Click here to learn more about “New Anti-Hate Spray” from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. New Anti-Hate Spray puts the power of hate removal in your hands. Specifically formulated to combat racism, homophobia and any other discrimination, Anti-Hate Spray will leave your community clean and hate free.
