Australian Human Rights Commission cancels anti-racism campaign tender after Amanda Stoker call

The Australian Human Rights Commission has cancelled a tender relating to a campaign accused of promoting “critical race theory” after Liberal Senator Amanda Stoker called the organisation’s president.

Coalition senator Amanda Stoker.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has cancelled a tender relating to a campaign ­accused of promoting “critical race theory” after Liberal senator Amanda Stoker raised concerns with its president.

The $140,000 tender offered the opportunity to “align” the Racism. It Stops With Me campaign with current conver­sations around structural and systemic inequality.

“The project provides an opportunity to move the focus of the RISWM campaign beyond the level of interpersonal racism towards a critical look at forms of structural/systemic and institutional racism, as well as unconscious bias,” it said. “(It) aims to increase an understanding of these concepts within mainstream society and mobilise supporters and potential supporters into ­action to address them.”

Assistant Minister to the ­Attorney-General Senator Stoker said she immediately called AHRC president Rosalind Croucher upon learning of the tender to express concern it was fostering racial division.

“Racism is completely unacceptable in modern Australia, but ideas like critical race theory only lead to greater racial division in society,” she said.

“As an independent agency, the AHRC was not required to seek government approval for this approach to market (ATM).

AHRC President Rosalind Croucher at a Senate Estimates hearing. Picture: Kym Smith

An addendum to the tender on Monday said: “This [ATM] has been cancelled to allow further consideration of its wording to ensure that … is appropriate for the products the commission seeks to procure.”

Professor Croucher confirmed the phone call took place but denied it influenced the decision to cancel the tender.

“Assistant Minister Stoker rang to express her concerns and I made it clear that while open communication is valuable, and welcome, it is not for an assistant attorney to give direction to an independent agency head.

“The original ATM did not clearly express that the campaign will include a focus on institutional or structural racism in addition to, not instead of, the current focus on individual behavioural change and building social cohesion.

“It is important the language in a tender is as detailed and specific as possible to ensure potential suppliers understand the depth of the work that is being undertaken so they can demonstrate their relevant expertise.”

Institute of Public Affairs western civilisation director Bella d’Abrera accused the AHRC of using “radical race ­theory” to divide Australians but Greens anti-racism spokesperson Mehreen Faruqi said programs to counter sys­temic racism should be support­ed to create a more equitable society.