Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the UN Committee On The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination, 30 October 2017 53. The 2016 Scanlon Survey also reveals an increase of 5% in the number of respondents indicating experience of discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity or religion, from 15% to 20%. This is the highest level recorded in the history of the Scanlon Foundation Surveys.50 54. In its national consultations in 2015, which focused on lived experiences of racism, the Commission found the persistence of the following forms of racial discrimination: discrimination in employment; racial vilification and bigotry; and social exclusion.51 It also found strong community support for existing legislative protections against racial discrimination and hatred.52 This is a finding supported by survey evidence.53 55. In carrying out its conciliation function, the Commission records statistics relating to complaints of discrimination, harassment and vilification. In the 2016–17 reporting year, 21% of all complaints (409 complaints) received by the Commission were received under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (RDA). Of those complaints, 26% related to employment, 20% related to the provision of goods and services, and 34% related to racial hatred.54 Recommendation 11: That the Australian Government recognise the importance of maintaining effective legal protections against racial discrimination and hatred in setting a standard for public conduct in a multicultural society. Strengthening multiculturalism 56. (a) 57. The Commission considers that strengthening multiculturalism is an important aspect of protecting persons from racial discrimination, improving cultural diversity in institutions and organisations and promoting CERD rights. Multiculturalism policy (CERD article 2; CO 14) The Commission commends the Australian Government’s 2017 multicultural policy statement, ‘Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, Successful’. The statement rejects racism, affirms the value of mutual respect, and emphasises the safety and productivity of Australia.55 Recommendation 12: That the Australian Government continue to support a policy of multiculturalism as a means of promoting social cohesion, cultural harmony and national unity. (b) Multiculturalism legislation (CERD article 2; CO 14) 58. The Commission considers that public recognition of Australian multiculturalism is important. 59. The Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism recommended that the Australian Government consider developing and implementing a federal Multicultural Act to enshrine agreed principles of multiculturalism to support and frame multiculturalism in Australia.56 Others have also advocated for the introduction of a federal Multicultural Act.57 13