A formal policy to combat racism will be rolled out across South Australia’s public education system in early 2026.

This policy will be accompanied by a process to anonymously report experiences of racism.

Work to develop the anti-racism policy has been occurring throughout 2025.

The new policy will build upon the South Australian public sector Anti-Racism Strategy and Action Plan launched by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE) last year.

In addition to supporting the OCPSE Action Plan, the Department for Education has ongoing activities to combat racism including:

• Access to resources for schools and preschools developed by Reconciliation SA Education.
• Information and resources available for staff promoting anti-racism in the workplace.
• A culturally responsive framework designed to create culturally responsive and inclusive workplaces.
• An annual Wellbeing Engagement Collection survey which gives public school students the opportunity to share their experiences.

Schools have also participated in public campaigns such as ‘Racism. It Stops with Me’ run by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Racism can also be addressed through the department’s Behaviour Support Policy and child protection pathways.

Department for Education Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell said, we want to ensure that anti-racism is embedded in every aspect across our department, so that everyone feels culturally safe and valued.

'Rejecting racism is a shared responsibility’.

‘We are pleased to be able to implement a policy guided by the voices of lived experience, which will be able to further support staff in the work to eradicate racism from every education environment', said Professor Westwell.

Guidance provided to staff on preventing and reducing bullying includes how to support higher risk groups such as Aboriginal children and young people, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The new anti-racism policy is being co-designed with people with lived experience of racism through the newly established Lived Experience Advisory Group and with the department’s Aboriginal workforce. It is expected to be in place across all South Australian public schools in term 1 of 2026.

Listen to the department’s Teach Podcast episode with Natalie Gentle, Reconciliation SA Education Programs Manager, and Leonie Shelley, Blair Athol North School (B-6) Principal, to learn more about anti-racism in education.