Project participants suggested tangible measures to improve accountability in the context of
anti-racism, including annual audits, measures to embed equity within legal structures, and
public reporting of data, with independent oversight. Adopting such an approach can also
encourage accountability in future policy and program reform. Consultation participants and
submissions outlined how further actions could be measured against national accountability
measures.
We support the development of the National Anti-Racism Framework as a
critical next step in addressing racism in Australia and embedding
accountability measures for all areas of Australian society to take action on.
— submission from Reconciliation Australia, NARF project, May 2021 – April 2022
The importance of co-design
The importance of centring the lived experiences and firsthand knowledge of community was
voiced to the Commission as vital in progressing a national anti-racism framework. Co-design is
emerging in policy environments as a best practice standard. In the context of a national antiracism framework, co-design involves not only the active participation of community in the
design and progression of the framework, but an asserted emphasis on their lived experience,
firsthand knowledge, and unique insights as experts in their own lives and experiences.8 By
drawing upon ideas of participation, collaboration and empowerment, co-design can be a
powerful ‘act of collective creativity’ that can meaningfully target longstanding issues such as
racism.9 A co-design approach to undertaking policy upholds the principles outlined in a human
rights-based approach, encompassing participation and empowerment, in particular, as the
foundation to effective policy and reform.
Co-Design is a collaborative process that involves First Nations peoples and
communities’ input and advice on programs and policies that affect them. It
entails genuine community engagement and representation throughout each
step of the development process. Co-design upholds principles of selfdetermination by empowering First Nations peoples to have a greater say in
the planning and implementation of policies and programs that concern their
communities. — submission from First Nations organisation, NARF project, May
2021 – April 2022
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