Anti racism

Information on fostering anti-racist workplace culture where racism of any kind is not tolerated.

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Racism is unlawful and is not acceptable in the NSW public sector under any circumstances.

We all have a role to play in eradicating racism in our workplaces and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Everyone should have the resources and confidence to report instances of racism if they witness it and support colleagues who might experience it.

All employees have a responsibility to act lawfully, behave ethically and treat others with respect.  Government sector employees are required to uphold the government sector core values outlined in the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (GSE Act ) and the Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW government sector employees (Code).

NSW Secretaries Board Anti-Racism Leadership Statement

On 16 March 2026, the NSW Secretaries Board reaffirmed its commitment to taking a stand against racism in public sector workplaces and called on everyone to work towards an anti‑racist public sector.

The Anti‑Racism Leadership Statement was first issued on 21 March 2024, marking a clear and collective commitment by the Secretaries Board to eliminate racism across the NSW public sector. This updated statement reaffirms that commitment and reinforces the shared responsibility to foster inclusive workplaces and contribute to a society where racism of any kind is not tolerated.

Download a copy of the Anti-Racism Leadership Statement

Learn more about preventing and responding to racism

Anti-Racism guide

This guide empowers agencies to prioritise anti-racism and provides a useful summary of important legal requirements across the sector. It helps deepen employee understanding of racism, the impacts on racially marginalised groups and provides practical guidance on how to combat it.

Download a copy of the Anti-Racism guide

 

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Introducing the Anti Racism Guide: fostering anti-racist workplaces

Explainer video for the Anti-Racism Guide.

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Video transcript

Introducing the Anti Racism Guide: fostering anti-racist workplaces

[Music] In many workplaces racism still exists the people matter employee survey results tell us that the number of sector employees experiencing racism continues to rise on the 21st of March 2024 the New South Wales secretary's board released an anti-racism leadership statement calling on everyone to work towards an anti-racist sector we all have a role to address it by taking action introducing the office of the public service Commissioners anti-racism guide why did we create this guide because racism is unlawful and everyone deserves to work in a safe and inclusive environment in this guide you'll find valuable information and resources to address racism and embed anti-racism daytoday so what is racism it's treating people unfairly based on their race ethnicity or culture racism can take many forms forms it can be overt like making racist jokes or more subtle like acting on bias or microaggressions or systemic what can you do reflect educate yourself and take action you can also practice anti-racism anti-racism is a proactive approach to eliminate racism it involves actively working to challenge practices policies and systems that perpetuate racial inequalities If you experience racism know that there are options you can also intervene if you witness racism conversations about racism and practicing anti-racism in the workplace can help Drive meaningful change by working together and taking action we can create a workplace free from racism. [Music]

Aboriginal Employment Strategy

Our Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2019-2025 provides NSW public sector agencies with the best practice, connections, information, and resources to drive Aboriginal employment outcomes and priorities.

Support for CALD employees

Learn more about our work to support CALD employees through increasing cultural diversity in the NSW government sector senior executive cohort.

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