Multicultural Matters: Education Quarterly, Issue 14 2025
MANDY WELLS Multicultural Officer/Organiser
Fairness, equality, care and respect are values that resonate across Australia and form the foundations of the public education system, in which schools and TAFE colleges deliver learning opportunities to the students who will shape our nation.
Our public education settings value and accept all, regardless of cultural background, identity, ability or socio-economic status. The principles of diversity, equity and inclusivity are important features of the public education system and students are supported to develop the positive behaviours that contribute to achieving a socially cohesive society.
“Racism seeps into almost every aspect of people’s lives, and in ways that have become so normalised that victims don’t feel they can talk about it and ‘learn to live with it’. Everyday racism is hidden in plain sight.” — Australian Human Rights Commission Race Discrimination, Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman
Misinformation, racism and discrimination erode social cohesion and democracy. The politics of division unleashed during the federal election campaign actively promoted distrust among communities and provided public platforms that spread fear and hate. This in turn saw the acceptance by some of policy ideas designed to ‘punch down’ on vulnerable groups within our communities and the belief that policies that protect human rights, equality, multiculturalism and the recognition of the true history of this country are somehow the cause of society’s ills. This, along with current world events, has resulted in a concerning rise in bigotry, intolerance and even violence.
All teachers have a responsibility to eliminate hate speech, racism and discrimination — as well as to challenge the behaviours and attitudes that enable them.
Schools and TAFE colleges are expected to build cultures of safety, inclusion and respect and to implement programs that address bullying, racist and discriminatory behaviours.
The NSW Department of Education’s Anti-Racism Policy requires every public school to appoint an anti-racism contact officer (ARCO). The ARCO supports schools to promote inclusion and anti-racism education. ARCOs assist teachers to access quality resources for teaching and learning programs and collaborate with leadership teams to address racist behaviours, provide advice to students, staff and community members in the reporting of racism, and maintain records of reports and outcomes.
Homebush Boys High School ARCO Usha Deo said having an ARCO in every school is essential. “One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is mentoring a strong student representative group who lead anti-racism campaigns and visit local primary schools to engage younger students in conversations about respect and cultural understanding,” she said.
Funding to support the release of ARCOs for training and resource development is provided each year and schools may choose to provide additional relief to meet identified contextual needs. Comprehensive information about racism, policies and procedures and the roles and responsibilities of ARCOs, along with links to anti-racism professional support, staff professional development and resources for schools to access are provided on the Department’s Anti-racism education webpage.
Each Federation Teachers Association elects an ARCO Contact to support and advocate for ARCOs in schools.
“ARCOs play a crucial role in Australian schools by fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, ensuring that racism is addressed, voices are heard, and diversity is embraced across the whole school community,” Fairfield Teachers Association President and ARCO Contact Shane Gordon said.
“Providing additional release time will empower ARCOs to actively support their school, address racism, and lead meaningful change across the whole community.”
When our students are free to be themselves, connected and learning in safe and supportive environments, they can develop to their potential. Schools and TAFE colleges must be a safe space for all, where everyone belongs, voices are heard and problems are resolved together.
“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.” — Author Margaret Mead
Be an anti-racist. Stand up to hate and all forms of discrimination. Educate for peace.
Refugee Week | 15–21 June 2025
Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community
Federation is a proud sponsor of Refugee Week 2025, which has the theme Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community.
Members are encouraged to plan activities that focus on the positive role our diverse public education communities play in our lives.
Teaching resources are available from refugeeweek.org.au.
Make this Refugee Week a time to celebrate the contributions refugees make and showcase how diversity and unity makes our public education communities stronger.