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Appointment of the Race Discrimination Commissioner

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Media Release

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Giridharan Sivaraman as the next Race Discrimination Commissioner.

Mr Sivaraman is Chair of the Board of Multicultural Australia and a member of the Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council and a Principal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

I congratulate Mr Sivaraman on his appointment and thank him for taking on this important role. His comprehensive understanding and demonstrated passion in the race discrimination and human rights space will be a great asset to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Race Discrimination Commissioner is responsible for combatting all forms of racial discrimination, and promoting understanding, tolerance and harmony across all sectors of Australian society.

Mr Sivaraman’s five-year appointment will commence on 4 March 2024, filling the vacancy resulting from the conclusion of Mr Chin Tan’s appointment.

I thank Mr Tan for his contribution during his term, and Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, President of the AHRC, for acting in the role throughout the merit-based selection process.

For information about the work of the Australian Human Rights Commission, including the work of the Race Discrimination Commissioner, visit Our Work page on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.