First Nations Consultations For the Australian Human Rights Commission 6 Recommendations The following reforms were identified by participants throughout consultations and are proposed to guide the Australian Human Rights Commission in developing a robust and effective National Anti-Racism Framework. These recommendations aim to address systemic racism and achieve equity for First Nations peoples across various sectors. 1. Legislative reform: • Draft and implement robust anti-racism legislation that explicitly prohibits racism and includes clear accountability mechanisms. The Racial Discrimination Act (1975) does not take an anti-racism approach and does not strongly address systemic issues. • Schedule regular reviews and updates to ensure that legislation remains effective and relevant • Build anti-racism and Cultural Safety into Workplace Health and Safety Legislation • Advocate for removal of race powers within the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. Although the race powers purport to be for the benefit of First Nations people, they continue to be used and interpreted in ways that are detrimental. Noting that implementation of this recommendation sits outside of the Commission and is reliant on government appetite and action. 2. Establish Accountability Mechanisms: • Ensure prioritisation and ownership of anti-racism initiatives across all sectors including government and non-government agencies • Ensure alignment with key national strategies including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to streamline and optimise outcomes • Develop robust mechanisms to monitor, evaluate, and enforce anti-racism policies across all sectors • Establish independent review bodies with the authority to investigate and address instances of racism • Provide directive for accountability mechanisms to be used across sectors • Involve First Nations leaders in decision-making processes to ensure that policies genuinely reflect community needs and perspectives. 3. Establishment of First Nations Advisory Bodies: • Governments to establish advisory structures underpinned by legislation that ensures the upholding of First Nations rights and the eradication of racism • Governments to form advisory bodies at local, regional, and national levels, comprising of First Nations people with relevant skills and experience to drive anti-racism agendas • Develop a set of national standard requirements that clearly identify objectives, scope and purpose of the advisory groups which should include terms of reference and remuneration guidelines • Empower these bodies with genuine decision-making authority to guide policy development and program implementation An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples Page 54