Respond to racism

Stop it – Change starts with you. If you recognise yourself in our Invisible Discriminator campaign video, educate yourself about the impact of racial discrimination.

Learning about First Nations Peoples' culture and history can also help improve understanding and generate respect.  

Intervene as a bystander

If you witness racial discrimination, there are a number of things you can do to intervene. The Human Rights Commissions campaign ‘Racism. It stops with me.’ has some great resources to educate and arm you with the strategies you need to stand up to racism.


Making a complaint

Racial discrimination can range from physical violence to subtle forms of prejudice and unconscious bias. All forms of discrimination can have an impact on mental health. Beyond Blue’s Invisible Discriminator campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact of discrimination on the mental health of First Nations Peoples.

Abusive, violent or other criminal behaviour

If you have been the target of abuse, violence or other criminal behaviour and it is an emergency call 000. For police assistance or attendance when it is not an emergency call
131 444 (all states and territories except Victoria). In Victoria, contact your local police station.

Discrimination in public life

If you feel you have been treated less favourably than another person in a similar situation because of your race, for example, being excluded from accessing services or employment, you can report it to the Australian Human Rights Commission or the relevant anti-discrimination or equal opportunity commission in your state or territory. 

National

Australian Human Rights Commission

Phone: 1300 656 419

NSW

Anti-Discrimination New South Wales

Phone: 1800 670 812

QLD

Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland

Phone: 1300 130 670

TAS

Equal Opportunity Tasmania

Phone: 03 6165 7515

WA

Equal Opportunity Commission Western Australia

Phone: 08 9216 3900

For people seeking assistance from a First Nations Peoples-specific service

Contact your local Aboriginal Health Service. 

Note: Not all Aboriginal Health Services provide mental health support. They may, however, be able to provide information on First Nations Peoples counsellors in the area.


Getting support
If you are a First Nations Person who has experienced racism, talking to someone about your experiences can help you stay strong. If you're going through a tough time or are concerned about someone close to you, the Beyond Blue Support Service can help. We've also developed a range of resources to support social and emotional wellbeing.