We have seen increasing reports of race and occupation-based discrimination in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents are commonly directed toward people of Chinese and East Asian heritage, and frontline health and retail workers, and are almost always based on misconceptions about the spread of COVID-19. Discriminatory behaviours and attempts to incite hatred or violence are contrary to our rights, laws and values. They cause our friends, families, neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances unneeded stress, fear and isolation and sow disunity and exclusion.
Directly or indirectly targeting someone on the basis of their race, immigrant status, gender identity, occupation, trade or profession (e.g. being a health worker) age, disability including imputed disability remains unlawful in the ACT. If you see or have experienced discrimination or possible vilification please contact us to discuss your concerns, or to lodge a complaint.
ACT Human Rights Commission – Form for making a discrimination complaint
Asian Australian Alliance – Confidential survey to report racial abuse against Asian Australians
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission – Reducing racism during COVID-19