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Is Australia a 'racist' country? Why do issues of race and culture seem to ignite public debate so readily?
Tim Soutphommasane, Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner, reflects on the national experience of racism and the progress that has been made since the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act in 1975. As the first federal human rights and discrimination legislation, the Act was a landmark demonstration of Australia's commitment to eliminating racism.
Published to coincide with the Act's fortieth anniversary, this book gives a timely and incisive account of the history of racism, the limits of free speech, the dimensions of bigotry and the role of legislation in our society's response to discrimination.
With contributions by Maxine Beneba Clarke, Bindi Cole Chocka, Benjamin Law, Alice Pung and Christos Tsiolkas.
About the author
Tim Soutphommasane is Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner. Prior to joining the Australian Human Rights Commission, he was a political philosopher at the University of Sydney and Monash University. His thinking on multiculturalism and national identity has been influential in reshaping debates in Australia and Britain.
Summary
The Racial Discrimination Act is Australia’s first federal human rights legislation. A landmark law, the RDA has had a profound impact on race relations. Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the RDA, this book provides a considered, accessible reflection on Australian racism, the limits of free speech, and the moral and philosophical dimensions of bigotry.
