The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) has come under fire after a review revealed widespread racism within its ranks, as culturally diverse staff reported instances of racial discrimination and missed opportunities for career advancement.
Led by Indigenous lawyer Terri Janke, the review was commissioned following high-profile resignations, including that of prominent journalist Stan Grant, who left citing “institutional failure” in addressing racist abuse both from the public and within the organisation.
The report, titled Listen Loudly, Act Strongly, gathered testimonies from 120 current and former ABC employees, with all but one participant recounting personal experiences of racism in the workplace. The findings were clear: racism persists both within the ABC and from external sources, affecting staff in connection with their roles.
The review highlighted the efforts the ABC has made to address these issues, acknowledging that while the broadcaster has demonstrated a “visible and tangible commitment” to fostering a culturally safe environment, these measures have not been consistently enforced. It pointed to ongoing “psychosocial hazards” within the workplace, urging immediate action to protect staff wellbeing.
In response, ABC managing director David Anderson issued an apology to past and present employees, acknowledging the organisation’s shortcomings. “This racism cannot occur in any workplace,” Anderson said. “If people believe that it’s OK to behave like this, this is not the place for them. We will find them and we will make sure they leave the ABC.”
The review uncovered a range of racist incidents, from slurs and offensive remarks about individuals’ appearances or cultural practices to instances where staff were overlooked for professional opportunities. Some employees were mistaken for junior colleagues due to their racial background, while others were hired under the assumption that their recruitment was solely to meet diversity quotas. Such experiences left many staff feeling “significant hurt, helplessness and exhaustion,” and these cumulative impacts were reported to have affected their sense of self-worth both inside and outside the workplace.
More troubling still, the review found evidence of systemic racism embedded within recruitment processes, pay structures, and even the ABC’s internal complaints system. The lack of diversity among leadership was also highlighted as a major concern, with the report noting that key decisions were often made by those who had not experienced racism firsthand.
Among its recommendations, the report called for a comprehensive pay audit of First Nations and culturally diverse employees, the establishment of better support structures for staff targeted by external media organisations, and improvements in leadership diversity. It also suggested the tracking of diversity within the organisation and the recording of racism complaints to ensure accountability.
The review also encouraged the ABC to better integrate lived experiences into its storytelling, advocating for diversity to be seen as a strength in editorial content, not a deficit.
David Anderson acknowledged the long road ahead, stating that while the ABC had made progress, much more needed to be done. “This is day one … and it will take a long time. But it starts now.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland echoed the call for meaningful change, noting that while the ABC is editorially independent, it must meet the high expectations of the Australian public. “It is incumbent on all organisations to address racism, ensuring staff are safe at work,” she said. “This is an important piece of work for the organisation, and I expect Dr Janke’s recommendations will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive national broadcaster.”
Meanwhile, Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi voiced her frustration, saying, “The time for platitudes and hollow apologies is over. Strong action must be taken starting from the top.” She called for mandatory anti-racism training and regular public reporting on the ABC’s progress.
Former race discrimination commissioner Chin Tan has been appointed to oversee the next phase of the review’s implementation, and a new leadership role, the Director of First Nations Strategy, has been established to ensure the recommendations are acted upon.
With the ABC now under intense scrutiny, the organisation has pledged to make the necessary changes to create a more inclusive environment, though the journey towards this goal is only just beginning.
