Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture: Embracing Cultural Diversity in Australia

The inclusion of more voices in Australian discussions around race relations has increased our understanding while challenging outdated assumptions. Notions of colour blindness and assimilationism are gradually giving way to a more open multiculturalism that embraces diversity and truth-telling about the experiences of First Nations peoples. But there is resistance. For many Australians the complexities of identity and belonging remain and embracing a rich cultural heritage within contemporary Australia is not always easy or even possible. 

The Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture is an annual public event held by the Australian Human Rights Commission to honour the memory of the Hon. Kep Enderby QC (1926-2015), who as Attorney-General introduced the Racial Discrimination Bill to parliament in 1975. Each year, the Lecture advances public understanding and debate about the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, racism and race relations.

The lecture, which is sponsored by the EU Delegation to Australia, will be delivered via Zoom. Auslan interpretation and live captioning will be available. The lecture will be presented by acclaimed writer Alice Pung, and will be followed by a panel discussion to reflect on her theme:

Embracing cultural diversity in Australia

Alice Pung is an award-winning author, journalist, lawyer and educator. Her novels explore themes of race and cultural identity, and have been set as texts in schools and universities throughout Australia and overseas. Alice is a frequent contributor to the Monthly, Good Weekend and Age, and was awarded the Sydney Morning Herald’s Young Novelist of the Year in 2015. Her work as a lawyer reflects a strong interest in human rights, and Alice has spoken on the ABC’s Big Ideas program against bigotry and proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act.

Several young Australians from diverse backgrounds will join Alice for the panel discussion following her lecture. They will include:

Kupakwashe Matangira is an activist, social entrepreneur, Global Voices policy fellow and youth rights practitioner for Save The Children. Driven by her passion for human rights and social justice, Kupa believes in the power of young people to create change and be a positive voice in Australian and world affairs. Kupa’s study of politics, philosophy and economics supports her efforts to address pressing social issues and advance human rights.

Zaahir Edries is a South African-born, Australian human rights lawyer, community advocate, writer and media commentator. He has spoken widely on issues around diversity, inclusion, migrant settlement, and the Muslim experience in Australia. He is the General Counsel of GetUp, an Executive Consultant for the Online Progressive Engagement Network, and was formerly the President and a founding member of the Muslim Legal Network NSW.  Zaahir has a particular interest in the use of legislative instruments to curtail civil liberties and the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities.

Jidah Clark is a Djab Wurrung man from Western Victoria. He is a lawyer, historian and community advocate with strong policy expertise. His experience crosses commercial litigation, human rights, youth justice, child protection, community development, and cultural heritage. Jidah currently works at ABSTARR Consulting, specialising in the art and science of decolonisation, and sits on the Expert Advisory Committee for the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first formal truth-telling process. Jidah has an interest in using lessons from history and Indigenous knowledges to create equitable and just systems for First Nations peoples, and recently led a state-wide systemic inquiry named 'Our youth, our way', aimed at eliminating the over-representation of Aboriginal young people in Victoria’s youth justice system.

EU Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Dr Michael Pulch will deliver some opening remarks on behalf of the EU Delegation to Australia.

Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan will speak briefly on behalf of the Australian Human Rights Commission.