ACOSS AGM formally endorses National Anti-Racism Framework 20 November 2025Newly re-elected ACOSS President Hang Vo has welcomed the ACOSS membership’s endorsement of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework, joining Race Discrimination Commissioner Giri Sivaraman in calling for decisive national action to eliminate racism in all its forms. Hang Vo was formally re-elected as ACOSS President at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Wednesday night. During the meeting the organisation’s members also voted to formally support the Framework which provides a clear, practical roadmap for governments, business and community organisations to build a fairer, safer and more inclusive Australia. “I’m proud to continue to serve as President of ACOSS, an organisation that is committed to achieving equality for all people,” said ACOSS President Hang Vo. “To build a just and inclusive Australia we must urgently address the discrimination faced by First Nations peoples, migrants and people from diverse communities every day. “Our organisation is proud to stand with the Commission in backing all 63 recommendations of the Framework. “Racism causes deep harm to people, families, communities and our nation’s social fabric. The Framework shows how we can do better. National leadership must listen to communities, tackle discrimination wherever it occurs, and ensure every person in Australia is safe, respected and treated with dignity.” “ACOSS joins the Commission in calling on the Australian Government to establish a National Anti-Racism Taskforce to implement the Framework’s recommendations, along with a dedicated strategy for eliminating racism experienced by First Nations peoples. Race Discrimination Commissioner Giri Sivaraman spoke to the ACOSS membership at the annual general meeting on Wednesday night.In his speech, the Commissioner highlighted the link between racism and economic security. “Anti-racism work also improves economic security. Wage parity between migrant workers and non-migrant workers reduces the capacity to squeeze down wages for all. If we don’t stigmatise people for their poverty but instead focus on the systems that create poverty, we can improve those systems for everyone,” said Mr Sivaraman. “When you eliminate racism from our institutions, you improve their quality and fairness. All of us benefit from systems that are more transparent, accountable, responsive to our needs.” “We already have the solutions to tackle racism in Australia, all we need now is genuine commitment and political will.”You can read Mr Sivaraman’s full speech here.