A new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is recommending the removal of structural barriers to racial equality at Basketball Australia.
National Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan said the report, Racial Equality Review of Basketball Australia, was commissioned by Basketball Australia last year against the backdrop of global protests and calls for racial justice through the Black Lives Matter movement.
“This prompted Basketball Australia to examine its own organisation through the lived experiences of pathway participants and staff – current and former – from diverse backgrounds,” Mr Tan said.
“The review examined structural barriers to achieving racial equality within basketball, as well as the organisational culture of Basketball Australia,” he said.
“It also highlighted local and international examples of good practice.”
Mr Tan said the Report made 12 recommendations and provided a blueprint for inclusion and equality within Basketball Australia.
The Commissioner said the recommendations covered the establishment of targets to diversify Board membership; embedding of racial equality in all policies and education; regular anti-racism and cultural awareness training; ongoing consultation with community, staff and national players; as well as opportunities for players from minority groups to progress through the sport.
He said Basketball Australia had already committed to adopting and implementing all recommendations.
“I am pleased to see that Basketball Australia has committed to action on the back of the Commission’s review,” Mr Tan said.
“Structural racial inequality erodes the ability for people to be treated fairly and equally, and it needs to be addressed proactively by all sectors of Australian society,” he said.
The AHRC’s 46-page Report can be downloaded at this PS News link.
