Welfare Rights Centre has zero tolerance for racism in any form. We are committed to actively challenging racism and advancing anti-racism, equity, inclusion and cultural safety across our organisation, our services and our advocacy.
Guided by our vision of a fair and just social security system, we recognise that racism creates significant barriers to justice, access to social security and participation in community life. Racism causes real harm to individuals, families and communities. It undermines dignity, safety, wellbeing and equal access to opportunities and services.
Racism can occur through behaviour, language, attitudes, policies and systems that disadvantage people on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, colour, cultural background or faith. It may be overt or subtle, direct or indirect, intentional or unintentional. Racism operates at individual, organisational and systemic levels. Regardless of how it occurs, racism is harmful and will not be tolerated.
If racism is experienced, witnessed or reported within our organisation or in the course of our work, we will respond promptly, support those affected and take steps to prevent it from occurring again.
At Welfare Rights Centre We Will
Challenge Racism
Actively challenge racism within our organisation, our services, the social security system and the broader justice system. Through our casework, community education and advocacy, we will work to identify and address policies, practices and systems that create or reinforce racial inequity.
Provide Culturally Safe and Inclusive Services
Maintain a workplace and service that is respectful, culturally safe and free from racism, discrimination, harassment and vilification. We are committed to ensuring that all clients, staff, volunteers and stakeholders are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Value Lived Experience and Community Expertise
Recognise and respect the expertise, authority and leadership of people and communities who experience racism and injustice. We believe that the voices of those directly affected are essential to shaping effective services, advocacy and systemic change.
Build Capability and Accountability
Support our staff, volunteers and Board members to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to identify and challenge racism and contribute to culturally safe and inclusive practice. We will continue to reflect on, review and strengthen our policies, practices and accountability mechanisms to ensure our commitment is translated into action.
Advance Equity and Justice
Work collaboratively with communities, partners and the broader sector to promote equity, inclusion and access to justice. We recognise that eliminating racism requires ongoing effort, learning and accountability, and we are committed to contributing to positive and lasting change.
Racism has no place at Welfare Rights Centre. We are committed to fostering a workplace and service where all people are welcomed, respected and supported, and where diversity is valued as a strength that enriches our organisation and the communities we serve.
Welfare Rights Centre acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our office is located and pays respect to Elders past and present. As a statewide service, we extend this acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living on and off Country throughout New South Wales.
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have endured the ongoing impacts of colonisation, dispossession and systemic injustice, and that legal, government and social systems have contributed to these harms. We acknowledge that these injustices continue to affect access to social security, justice and essential services today.
We are committed to supporting First Nations justice and self-determination. This means listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, valuing First Nations knowledges and leadership, delivering services that are culturally safe, respectful and accessible, and advocating for reforms that address systemic disadvantage and inequity.