About the Challenging Racism Project

Committed to principles of social justice and quality empirical research, the Challenging Racism Project is globally recognised for its research impact in countering racism and improving community relations. Based in Western Sydney, one of the most culturally diverse regions in Australia, the Challenging Racism Project is ideally situated to provide topical, timely and engaged research on issues concerning cultural, religious and ethnic diversity.

Our current and recent research examine online anti-racism campaigns; ethnic discrimination in the rental housing market; prosocial behaviours among school students in response to racism and bullying; the production, prevalence and exposure to, and strategies for responding to cyber-racism; teacher understandings of multiculturalism and anti-racism education; regionally appropriate anti-racism strategies; and comprehensive national data on the nature of racism in Australia.

Our partners and projects

The Challenging Racism Project has been principally funded by over $3.3 million in prestigious grants from the Australian Research Council and other government agencies. It has established strong connections with community, industry, and government and research partners. Recent examples of these partnerships and research include:

  • Cross-cultural contact, and enablers of successful anti-racism.
  • Online anti-racism interventions.
  • Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Society (CRIS) 2.0 project.
  • Bystander Anti-racism Training
  • Working with NSW public schools on by-stander led anti-racism.
  • Documenting the everyday capacities for anti-racism, and how that can assist government with cohesion programs. Measuring the extent and variation of racist attitudes and behaviours in Australia. These results were used to inform the SBS documentary, Is Australia Racist?
  • Developing the award winning Everyday Racism App, a world-first mobile app that challenges understandings of racism, with All Together Now.

Policy impact

The Challenging Racism Project makes significant contributions to policy related to racism, multiculturalism and cultural diversity. We have made submissions to a number of Government Inquiries, including proposed revisions to racial vilification provisions; the Inquiry into Freedom of Speech, the Inquiry into Strengthening Multiculturalism and the Inquiry into Strengthening Australian Citizenship. We work closely with government departments to ensure policy is backed up by rigorous academic research. Recent engagements include working with the Department of Education and the Attorney General's Department. We also make policy contributions to the work of the Australian Human Rights Commission.