This comprehensive review, published in the Journal of Intercultural Studies, examines the state of quantitative data on racism in Australia. The authors conducted a stocktake of national-level survey-based research and organisational reporting initiatives up to July 2022. Their aim was to assess the quality and scope of existing data, identify gaps, and propose directions for future research to support anti-racism efforts.
Key Findings
The review analysed 32 research studies and six ongoing reporting initiatives, classifying them by study design, participant demographics, and the settings, forms, and impacts of racism. It found that while public awareness and government commitment to addressing racism have grown, the available data remain fragmented, inconsistent, and insufficient for informing robust anti-racism policies.
The authors highlighted that racism in Australia is historically entrenched and continues to manifest in structural, institutional, and interpersonal forms. It affects various domains including employment, education, healthcare, law enforcement, and public spaces. Indigenous peoples, migrants, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
Recommendations
The paper proposes a reorientation of racism data as “data for anti-racism”, emphasising their role in driving social justice and equity. Key recommendations include:
- Further analysis of existing data to better understand perpetrator demographics, geographic patterns, and the health and socio-economic impacts of racism.
- New data collection in under-researched settings such as domestic spaces, online platforms, financial institutions, and sports.
- Greater focus on structural and vicarious racism, and on cohorts such as young people and migrants.
- Improved longitudinal and routine data collection, with better coordination and resourcing.
The authors also advocate for a national anti-racism research agenda and data management plan, and suggest that Australia’s efforts should align with global initiatives to combat racism.
Conclusion
This review serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and community organisations. It underscores the urgent need for high-quality, coordinated data to effectively address racism in Australia. By offering a template for similar stocktakes in other countries, the study contributes to a broader international movement towards evidence-based anti-racism.
