The new race discrimination commissioner, Chin Tan, has warned there is a re-emergence of racial extremism in Australia, with the language of “emboldened racial supremacy movements” spilling over into mainstream public debate.
In his first speech in the role, Tan referred to the recent mass shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue, allegedly by a white supremacist, as one of the most blatant forms of racism “with resulting devastating consequences”.
“According to FBI data, hate crimes continue to be perpetrated, with increasing frequency, against minority groups including African-Americans, Jews and Muslims,” he said.
Tan said if “we are to be honest”, Australians must also reflect on the re-emergence of extremism in this country.
“We have seen, far too often, the manifestations of emboldened racial supremacy movements and agitation, the language and messaging of which has spilled over even into mainstream public and political debate,” he said.
“As a successful multicultural society, we should be clear on this: there is no place for racial prejudice, discrimination, or intimidation in our society. As Australians, we should consistently stand together to oppose racism and racial supremacy in any form or representation”.
Tan took over the role from Tim Soutphommasane – who left the post in August with a blistering spray at politicians and the media, saying it had “never been a more exciting time to be a dog-whistling politician or race-baiting commentator in Australia”. He is a lawyer, and a former commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
He said one of his priorities in the role was to examine the relationship between race, racism and economic and social opportunity and inequality.
“The unfortunate truth is there are conspicuous economic and social disparities between racial groups in Australia,” the race discrimination commissioner said. “We should acknowledge this, look at possible related issues and work on finding some solutions together, as one of the ways to tackle racism”.
He also defended the protections in the Racial Discrimination Act. Tan said it was important to “work to give life and meaning to the act by consistently challenging racism”.
He warned Australia was not immune from a global rise in racism and anti-immigration sentiment, and he said these were “challenging times for our racial harmony”.
Tan said his job was to protect and educate Australians against racism and racial discrimination in all forms and to advocate for equality of all Australians “regardless of their race”.
He said he did not take the responsibility lightly and he intended to pursue the appointment with “with passion and independence”.
