ABC Racism Review Highlights Systemic Issues and Next Steps

An independent ABC racism review highlights deep issues and 15 recommendations for change. Discover what actions are being taken.

The ABC has published the findings of an independent review into its internal handling of racism, following claims that the broadcaster had failed to address concerns raised by staff, particularly those from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

The review, titled Listen Loudly, Act Strongly, was initiated in May last year, after the ABC faced criticism for allegedly overlooking research into the online abuse of its minority background journalists.

Led by Dr Terri Janke, an Indigenous lawyer, the review gathered insights from interviews with 120 current and former employees. It has produced 15 recommendations aimed at addressing systemic issues within the ABC, all of which ABC Managing Director David Anderson has said the organisation will adopt in principle.

Anderson expressed regret over the experiences of staff who had encountered racism at the broadcaster.

“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,”

he stated on Tuesday.

He reiterated the ABC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace:

“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.”

The review’s recommendations are broad and ambitious, with calls for the ABC board and leadership team to read the report in full, and a pledge for the broadcaster to become “proactively anti-racist.”

Among the suggested actions are improving responses to public attacks, increasing diversity within management and leadership roles, revising the organisation’s complaints framework, creating culturally safe support structures, and enhancing recruitment processes.

In response to the review, the ABC has committed to launching an internal campaign aimed at raising awareness about racism and discrimination. This campaign will also seek to simplify the reporting process for staff experiencing such issues. Additionally, anti-bullying and harassment training will be provided to ensure staff are better equipped to handle such incidents.

As part of broader organisational changes, the ABC has announced the creation of a new Director of First Nations Strategy role, which will be filled by Kelly Williams, the current head of Indigenous, diversity, and inclusion, while a formal recruitment process takes place. This role will join the broadcaster’s leadership team, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to fostering cultural safety and inclusion.

In his remarks, Anderson emphasised the need for change within the organisation, stating:

“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.”

He also warned against complacency on the issue of racism, adding,

“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.”

Dan Bouchier, Chair of the ABC Bonner Committee, echoed Anderson’s sentiments, describing the report as a critical moment for the organisation.

“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,” he said.

Bouchier concluded by highlighting the significance of the findings: “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.”