‘We all need to do better’: Findings released after review into racism at ABC
The ABC has released the findings of an independent review looking at the systems and processes in support of staff who have experienced racism.
First announced in May last year after the national broadcaster was forced to deny claims it ignored research into online abuse of its minority background journalist, the review has been released following interviews with 120 current and former staff.
Led by Indigenous lawyer, Dr Terri Janke, the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly review has made 15 recommendations, which ABC managing director David Anderson said it would accept all in principle.
“On behalf of everyone at the ABC, I am sorry for any and all racist behaviour and past harms experienced by our Indigenous and CALD employees, either currently or formerly employed,” Anderson said on Tuesday.
“We all need to do better for our colleagues on our commitment to zero tolerance for racism in our workplace.
“We all need to do better for our colleagues by preventing or acting on behaviour that seeks to discriminate against, bully or demean them.
“We all need to do better for our colleagues by remaining vigilant against racism or discrimination of any kind in our workplace.”
Among the 15 recommendations include that the ABC board and leadership team read the report in full, it commits to being “proactively anti-racist”, it should improves response to public attacks, improve diverse representation in management and leadership, revise and improve its complaints framework, create culturally safe support systems, and should improve recruitment processes and pathways.
ABC said it plans to “launch an internal campaign to raise awareness of racism and discrimination and to make it easier for staff to report instances of racism and discrimination”, as well as anti-bullying and harassment training.
To help lead this work, the broadcaster has also announced the newly-launched role of director First Nations strategy to join the leadership team, which will be taken on by its current head of Indigenous, diversity and inclusion, Kelly Williams, while a recruitment process takes place.
“As an organisation and as an industry we must learn from the experiences in the report and commit to work together to do better and rebuild the trust that has been eroded by the actions of some people,” Anderson said.
“For anyone who thinks it is ok to display or practise racist behaviour, or who thinks they can make people feel belittled based on their identity, we will call you out and remove you from this organisation. You are not welcome here. We are a workplace that values respect, and we expect it.”
Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee Dan Bouchier added: This report is a turning point and seeks to strengthen and reform the ABC.
“It’s a line in the sand – we need to do better.
“The ABC’s First Nations and CALD staff need this to be acted on across the organisation, and the Australian people expect more from the ABC, to ensure it remains the important institution it is.
“This review exposes the depth of the problems. To achieve the crucial work of Listen Loudly, Act Strongly will require the entire ABC to work to embed meaningful change.”
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