Launch of anti-racism campaign

A campaign designed to encourage people to take a firm stand against racism was launched today by Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Minister Judyth Watson.

"The campaign's message, 'Racism Hurts Everyone', is still very relevant and in 1992 we can no longer afford to tolerate racism," Dr Watson said.

"Racial prejudice, whether it takes the form of personal prejudice or institutionalised discrimination, is an act which hurts every person in our society.

"It has been used to justify war, murder, slavery, colonisation and genocide.  It has been used to justify the segregation of people on the basis of skin colour and as the basis of deciding the haves and have-nots of society."

Dr Watson said the State Government had gone a long way in its fight to combat racism.

"Legislation in the form of the Incitement to Racial Hatred Amendment to the Criminal Code and the Equal Opportunities Commission is achieving a great deal," she said.

"The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody pointed out that Aboriginal people experienced racism at an individual level or through practices institutionalised in society on a daily basis.

"Recommendations were made to address the urgent need to continue to improve relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.  I hope the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, recently established by the Federal Government, will go a long way towards achieving this.

"People from overseas who look, dress and speak differently are also still subjected to racist behaviour.

"Government action on its own cannot effect the changes needed.  If society is to change then we all, as individuals, must change."

Dr Watson said the Western Australian campaign marked the start of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's 'Different Colours One People' week.

"The national and State campaign will work together to achieve the common goal of fighting racism within the general community," she said.

"We are trying to encourage young people to adopt human rights as an issue of importance and relevance in their lives in much the same way the environment and peace have become important issues for young people."

Local personalities including Griff Longley, Peter Holland, Steve Tallis, Jean Westerhout, Belyssa, Kavisha, Cheryl Kickett, Rita Menendez, Edie Hoy Poy and Hammer 'n Tongues have agreed to act as advocates and support the campaign.

Dr Watson said they would take an anti-racist stance publicly whenever and wherever they could.

"The advocates will also hand out 'Racism Hurts Everyone' resource kits, wear badges or t-shirts in public and encourage others in their industries to support the campaign," she said.

"The kit contains messages directed towards everyone in the community.  It also contains posters, stickers, badges, a code of everyday conduct and a Billy Bragg poster endorsement."