Anti-Immigration rallies put inclusion at risk: Here’s what employers can do

In the wake of rallies that promote harmful and divisive views towards migrant and culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) communities, it is important to recognise the flow-on effects these kinds of events can have across workplaces, which can result in undermining the safety and dignity everyone is entitled to. While First Nations peoples are the original custodians of this land, most Australians have a migrant heritage and targeting individuals or groups based on identity is unjust and weakens the inclusive society we strive to build.

Workplaces are not separate from society: they reflect it. When harmful narratives go unchallenged, they can spill over into workplaces and teams, affecting people’s sense of security, belonging and ability to contribute. This amplifies the risks faced by communities who are already subject to prejudice and hostility.

DCA’s Racism at Work research shows that addressing racism requires a proactive, anti-racist approach — not simply “not being racist”. This means naming harmful behaviour when we see it, and creating a work environment where racism is not tolerated and people feel safe.

Here are a few principles for employers to keep in mind:

• Take a human-centred approach — Focus on individual dignity, recognising the humanity of every person across all backgrounds.
• Create safe environments — Foster respect, empathy and understanding. People may hold different perspectives; we must ensure disagreements never become attacks on others.
• Support impacted employees — Recognise that public rhetoric can cause harm and retraumatisation; provide appropriate supports such as EAP access, flexibility and psychological safety.
• Centre lived experience — Listen to employees with lived experience of marginalisation and call on external advisory expertise when needed — but do so safely, with care and without placing unfair burden on people with the lived experience.
• Adopt a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination — Make it clear that racism, xenophobia, or any form of discrimination has no place in your workplace.

These are important times for workplaces across Australia to intensify their efforts toward fostering inclusion and understanding and commit to building a society where everyone can feel safe and valued. By responding with compassion and a preventative anti-racist mindset, we can ensure workplaces remain places of unity, fairness and safety — even at times when society may feel divided.