of climate change and natural disasters; as a result, they may not prioritise anti-racism work. 4.3.1 Challenges The overwhelming impression conveyed by local government stakeholders who took part in this research was that there are far more challenges than strengths in the antiracism space. This contributed to a view that a ‘seismic shift’ is required to address issues in this area. Not doing so means that the burden of addressing racism is primarily left with those communities who experience it or those few stakeholders who attempt to address it, mirroring current approaches at both the federal and state/territory level. This is not helped by a lack of acknowledgment by local government that racism is a pressing issue in affected communities, or by what stakeholders described as a general lack of awareness, funding and targeted strategies. Diversity and inclusion but not anti-racism focused Where relevant work did occur at the local government level, and as with other tiers of government, it was often framed using the language of social cohesion or diversity and inclusion with a focus on community events or employment strategies. Several local councils noted that they had Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP), First Nations staff or worked with members of local First Nations communities, but there was little to no detail on what work was being done in partnership with the community. Advice was provided that Broome Shire Council is leading strong work in the Kimberley area through efforts running or supporting cultural festivals that celebrate and provide space for ‘social cohesion.’ The local government peak body in West Australia, WALGA, supports the employment of a First Nations young person and their RAP reference group has been working on their Reflect level RAP currently in development. Their 2019 RAP emphasised the importance of WALGA and local government staff attending First Nations events, as well as considering employment and supplier diversity in their work.52 Language, mentoring and training courses were among other key activities identified by stakeholders. WALGA noted that local councils in Canningham and Kwinana work closely with their communities which include large numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse peoples and migrants, to support language and employment opportunities. These efforts are focused on supporting skilled migrants preparing to transfer to West Australia to use their skills in the local employment market. There was 52 WALGA (2018) Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan March 2018-March 2019, p10 34