Racial equity and inclusion in focus at latest Anti-Discrimination NSW thought leadership event

Published 12 March 2026

Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW) hosted the second event in its landmark Thought Leadership Series on Thursday 12 March, exploring the role of institutions and leaders in driving racial equity and inclusion.

With more than 300 people in attendance in person and online, the event featured Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman as keynote speaker, who addressed the need for institutions across government, corporate and academic sectors to go beyond understanding racism in its interpersonal forms and challenge structures and processes that disadvantage people of negatively racialised backgrounds.

Held in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the event provided a forum for dialogue by leading voices shaping what change looks like across government, corporate and academic sectors. Following the keynote, a panel discussion examined how leaders and organisations can take responsibility for advancing racial equity, tackling barriers, leveraging enablers, and implementing proven strategies that foster inclusion.

The expert panel moderated by Dr Shanthi Robertson brought together voices with deep expertise:

• Professor Nareen Young, the Associate Dean of Indigenous Engagement and Leadership and Professor of Indigenous Policy at UTS Business School
• Jessica Singh, Principal Project Manager, Anti-Racism Unit at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)
• Lisa Woodland, Director, Equity and Prevention Service at the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service
• Giridharan Sivaraman, Race Discrimination Commissioner.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Chris D’Aeth, acting President of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW, acknowledged:

“It was a privilege to host today’s event and see so many people in attendance, from corporate, legal, community and governmental sectors. This shows how important and timely this conversation is for our communities and reinforces the value of bringing experts and leaders together to share perspectives and strengthen our collective commitment to equity and inclusion.”

Through future events in the ADNSW Thought Leadership Series, the organisation will continue to provide a platform to promote conversation and best practice which strengthens anti-discrimination policies and practices in NSW.

Join us for the next session in late 2026, as we continue the conversation on anti-discrimination law and policy in NSW. Event details will be published in Equal Time, ADNSW’s monthly newsletter – please subscribe to stay informed.