2. Introduction In 2022, the Australian Government committed $7.5m over four years to the Australian Human Rights Commission (the AHRC, the Commission) to support the development of an initial National Anti-Racism Framework (the Framework) and facilitation of antiracism public education and awareness initiatives. The Commission anticipates its current work on the Framework will serve as a central reference point for anti-racism action across sectors and inform the future development of a national anti-racism strategy. The Commission also recognises the crucial role of public awareness and education initiatives in anti-racism and will continue to develop its work in these areas. The Commission anticipates that policy, education and public awareness initiatives will build the groundwork for a national anti-racism strategy in the long term. Wide-ranging consultations and public submissions informed a scoping report on the Framework published in December 2022, which identifies principles, cross-cutting themes and priority sectors to be involved in the design and implementation of the Framework. The AHRC continues to build the draft Framework with government and civil society, including those with direct lived experience of racism. The Commission is undertaking five research projects and consultation with experts in key priority areas as foundational research for the development of the Framework, including, but not limited to: • racial literacy • data • media regulation and standards • existing government anti-racism initiatives, and • mapping anti-Asian racism. The Commission understands that the design and implementation of the Framework will require support across all tiers of government. For this to be done effectively and contribute to the systemic change required, identifying existing government initiatives that address racism is necessary to establish a clear baseline, identify gaps and provide recommendations. As such, the Commission seeks to enhance its understanding of existing anti-racism work conducted or funded by the three tiers of government in Australia, identify opportunities for expansion of existing initiatives, and highlight gaps in programs and policy that can be consolidated and addressed by a national Framework. In 2023, the Commission engaged PwC Indigenous Consulting (PIC), with subject matter expertise from Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research 6