Written by Debra Cerasa (CEO, Amplify Alliance Australia)
Today is one of those days that reminds me, very personally and deeply, why this work matters. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is not just a date on the calendar, it is a mirror we hold up to ourselves, our systems and our stories in Australia.
In our communities and workplaces, racism is not always loud.
It can be subtle, quiet, embedded in decisions about who is heard, who is hired, who is promoted, who feels safe enough to bring their whole self to work.
In the human and social services sector, we see this in the experiences of the people we walk alongside and in the experiences of our own colleagues.
At Amplify Alliance Australia, we are constantly humbled by the courage and generosity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and all Culturally and Racially Marginalised Communities.
They carry the weight of their own lived experience while often being asked to “fix” racism in the very systems that harm them.
This is care. This is leadership. This is love.
And yet, despite years of sector advocacy, the National Anti‑Racism Framework has not meaningfully progressed. This delay is not just administrative; it has real consequences for communities and for workers. It leaves too many people navigating racism without a strong, national roadmap that says: we see this, we name this, and we are acting on this together.
Today, my reflection is also a call.
A call to governments to fully commit to a robust, well‑resourced National Anti‑Racism Framework, and to prioritise its development and implementation. A call to peaks and sector leaders to use our collective voice to keep this on the national agenda, not just this week, but every week. A call to organisations to stop waiting for a framework and start aligning with its intent now:
- Reviewing policies, data and culture through an anti‑racism lens
- Embedding cultural safety as daily practice, not a one‑off workshop
- Sharing leadership and decision‑making with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and all Culturally and Racially Marginalised Communities.
For me, this is about the kind of Australia I want my family, my friends and our members’ communities to live in. An Australia where our differences are not just tolerated, but treasured. Where the kindness, courage, and connection I see every day in our sector is matched by structural change and political will.
Feeling proud of the incredible work our members and partners are already doing. Feeling determined that “not yet progressed” cannot be where the story ends.
My question to you, as colleagues, leaders, and community members:
What is one concrete step you – your organisation – will take this year to push for, and prepare for, a strong National Anti‑Racism Framework?
Debra Cerasa is a purpose-driven CEO, Board Director and social sector advocate, known for leading with heart, building strong communities, and delivering transformational change across the Not for Profit human and social services sector.
