News
September 09, 2025
'Racism is under-reported': councillors debate multiculturalism plan
The last census shows that more than 31,000, or 15 per cent, of residents were born overseas.
**'Racism is under-reported': councillors debate multiculturalism plan**
Local councillors have voiced concerns that instances of racism are going unreported within the community, sparking a robust debate about the effectiveness of the city's multiculturalism plan. The discussion arose during a recent council meeting focused on reviewing and updating the existing strategy aimed at fostering inclusivity and harmony among the city’s diverse population.
The latest census data reveals that the city is becoming increasingly multicultural, with over 31,000 residents, representing 15 per cent of the total population, having been born overseas. This significant demographic shift underscores the importance of ensuring that all residents feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their background.
Several councillors argued that while the city has made strides in promoting multiculturalism, a persistent undercurrent of racism continues to affect many residents. They cited anecdotal evidence and community feedback suggesting that individuals from minority backgrounds are often hesitant to report incidents of discrimination due to fear of reprisal, lack of trust in authorities, or a belief that their complaints will not be taken seriously.
"The numbers don't tell the whole story," stated Councillor Anya Sharma during the debate. "We need to look beyond the official statistics and listen to the lived experiences of our residents. If people don't feel comfortable reporting racism, then we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg."
The discussion centred on potential measures to address this under-reporting. Suggestions included launching targeted awareness campaigns to encourage victims of racism to come forward, strengthening community outreach programs, and providing better training for law enforcement and other public officials on how to handle reports of discrimination sensitively and effectively.
Another key point of discussion was the need for more comprehensive data collection to better understand the nature and extent of racism within the city. Councillors proposed exploring alternative methods of gathering information, such as anonymous surveys and community forums, to supplement official reports and gain a more accurate picture of the problem.
The council ultimately agreed to form a working group to further investigate the issue of under-reported racism and develop concrete recommendations for improving the city's multiculturalism plan. The group will be tasked with consulting with community leaders, advocacy groups, and residents to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. The revised plan is expected to be presented to the council for consideration in the coming months.
Local councillors have voiced concerns that instances of racism are going unreported within the community, sparking a robust debate about the effectiveness of the city's multiculturalism plan. The discussion arose during a recent council meeting focused on reviewing and updating the existing strategy aimed at fostering inclusivity and harmony among the city’s diverse population.
The latest census data reveals that the city is becoming increasingly multicultural, with over 31,000 residents, representing 15 per cent of the total population, having been born overseas. This significant demographic shift underscores the importance of ensuring that all residents feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their background.
Several councillors argued that while the city has made strides in promoting multiculturalism, a persistent undercurrent of racism continues to affect many residents. They cited anecdotal evidence and community feedback suggesting that individuals from minority backgrounds are often hesitant to report incidents of discrimination due to fear of reprisal, lack of trust in authorities, or a belief that their complaints will not be taken seriously.
"The numbers don't tell the whole story," stated Councillor Anya Sharma during the debate. "We need to look beyond the official statistics and listen to the lived experiences of our residents. If people don't feel comfortable reporting racism, then we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg."
The discussion centred on potential measures to address this under-reporting. Suggestions included launching targeted awareness campaigns to encourage victims of racism to come forward, strengthening community outreach programs, and providing better training for law enforcement and other public officials on how to handle reports of discrimination sensitively and effectively.
Another key point of discussion was the need for more comprehensive data collection to better understand the nature and extent of racism within the city. Councillors proposed exploring alternative methods of gathering information, such as anonymous surveys and community forums, to supplement official reports and gain a more accurate picture of the problem.
The council ultimately agreed to form a working group to further investigate the issue of under-reported racism and develop concrete recommendations for improving the city's multiculturalism plan. The group will be tasked with consulting with community leaders, advocacy groups, and residents to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. The revised plan is expected to be presented to the council for consideration in the coming months.
Category:
Politics