ABC chief executive David Anderson has been forced to issue a despicable apology after a damning report found racism was endemic at the national broadcaster.
The report, which was drawn up following Stan Grant’s shock resignation from the ABC over claims he was denied support while being the target of racist attacks, found racial discrimination, insults and stereotyping were rife within the organisation.
Specific details included employees receiving comments about their racist appearance, stereotyping and being racially mistaken for someone else.
Mr Anderson issued a full apology to all former and current ABC employees on Tuesday.
“I have written to all staff today saying I am deeply sorry to anyone who has experienced racism at the ABC, whenever that is and whenever that has happened,” he told ABC News.
“It shouldn’t have happened, it shouldn’t have happened and I’m truly sorry for that experience.”
The ABC boss also warned staff.
“For anyone who thinks it is okay to display or practice racist behavior, or who thinks they can make people feel slighted based on their identity, we will call you and remove you from this organization.” , Anderson said.
ABC chief executive David Anderson has apologized to ABC staff past and present after a report found racism was endemic at the national broadcaster
‘You’re not welcome here. We are a workplace where respect is paramount, and we expect it.”
The 171-page report was led by Indigenous lawyer Terri Janke, a woman from Wuthathi, Yadhaighana and Meriam.
It received evidence from 120 past and present ABC employees, including Indigenous and CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) employees.
“People who are First Nations and CALD reported feeling unvalued in the workplace, and that is being symbolized,” said the report, titled Listen Loudly, Act Strongly.
“There is a cultural problem across the organization that has allowed racism to exist and persist at the ABC, which has caused widespread distrust in these systems among First Nations and CALD staff.”
Stan Grant (pictured with wife Tracy Holmes) sensationally quit as host of ABC show Q+A last year after claiming the national broadcaster failed to support him when he was the victim of racist attacks online
Interviewees said ABC management shows “a lack of shared understanding of racism.”
The ABC said it will implement all 15 recommendations of the report, which it expects all staff to read.
Other measures include rolling out anti-racism training within the ABC, providing career development pathways and representation of culturally diverse staff at management level, and the creation of a First Nations Director of Strategy role.
The ABC will also strengthen its response to racist attacks on staff, including via social media, with a process where staff are urged to immediately report any such attack to a centralized and independent team.
Anti-racism training will be rolled out across the ABC as one of 15 recommendations from a damning report into the broadcaster’s culture
Last year, Grant, a man from Wiradjuri, Dharawal and Gurrawin, accused ABC management of ‘not supporting him’ when he was racially abused for taking part in a television panel discussing colonialism ahead of King Charles’ coronation.
“Not a single ABC executive has publicly refuted the lies written or spoken about me,” Grant said as he stepped down from his role as host of Q+A.
“I don’t hold any individual responsible; this is an institutional failure.”