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Giridharan Sivaraman named Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner
As a lawyer, Sivaraman has handled numerous state and national race discrimination cases
Giridharan Sivaraman appointed as Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner / Image: Australian Human Rights Commission
The Australian Human Rights Commission has appointed Indian-origin lawyer Giridharan Sivaraman as the Race Discrimination Commissioner with effect from March 4, 2024.
Taking to X, Sivaraman said, "I am honoured to be appointed Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner. And excited, and slightly terrified! But there is so much work to be done and I can't wait to work with the team."
I'm honoured to be appointed Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner. And excited, and slightly terrified! But there is so much work to be done and I can't wait to work with the team at the @AusHumanRights! https://t.co/2rJQnim28m
— Giri Sivaraman (@GiriDSivaraman) February 5, 2024
Welcoming him, the Commission's president, emeritus professor Rosalind Croucher, stated, “We are very excited by this appointment. On behalf of the Commission, I would like to warmly welcome Giridharan Sivaraman to the role of Race Discrimination Commissioner."
“For decades, the fight for systemic equality and speaking truth to power have been at the heart of Sivaraman’s work. His distinguished legal career has seen him lead significant cases in workplace and discrimination law, which, coupled with his public advocacy for the rights of racially marginalized communities, has led to tangible results that have improved and empowered people’s lives," she added in a statement.
Acknowledging the increase in reports of racism and hate speech in recent months, Croucher highlighted the need to amplify efforts to empower communities to address racism at its root causes.
“This is difficult but critical work to do, and Commissioner Sivaraman will lead the way in this area, as we help make Australia a more respectful and equitable place for all people, regardless of their background,” she asserted.
Sivaraman is currently the chair of Multicultural Australia and a principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, heading the firm’s Queensland Employment Law department.
He has handled numerous state and national race discrimination cases and led the pro bono compensation scheme for underpaid 7-Eleven workers, many of whom came from migrant backgrounds. In his advocacy, he has shown commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of First Nations individuals.
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