language of ‘racism’ and those involved in anti-racism work will have a consistent understanding of what constitutes racism. Recommendation 3: Development of a clear, whole of government strategic approach to addressing racism and racist behaviours in Australian society • Developing a clear and strategic whole of government approach to addressing racism and racist behaviour is an important step in avoiding the current ad hoc approaches and more broadly to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. This would also strengthen work across and within agencies, avoid duplication and drive outcomes for government policy and programs. Recommendation 4: Inclusion of a formal monitoring and evaluation approach in the Framework for tracking and reporting on progress and implementation of government work addressing racism • Formal monitoring and evaluation is important to ensure accountability and transparency. Having a clear approach for monitoring and evaluation within the Framework ensures that the Commission can demonstrate the effectiveness of anti-racism initiatives and identify areas for improvement. • A dedicated monitoring and evaluation approach will help ensure that antiracism initiatives are evidence based, data-driven, sustainable, and effective so decision-makers can make informed decisions about funding for initiatives to address racism in Australia. Recommendation 5: Addressing racism in schools to ensure victims do not leave education facing lifelong disadvantage, and perpetrators do not enter adulthood believing racist behaviours are acceptable and do not attract accountability • People are not born with racist attitudes or beliefs, but rather learn them from the people around them, including parents, peers, and the media. Addressing racism in schools is crucial to ensure that victims do not leave education facing lifelong disadvantage, and perpetrators do not enter adulthood believing racist behaviours are acceptable and do not attract accountability. 65