Weegy: The first step in addressing discrimination is to acknowledge the gravity of the problem. [ The harsh reality is that despite Australia’s image of itself as a fair and tolerant society, discriminatory attitudes still infect workplaces, public attitudes, law and policies. As Australia’s national human rights institution, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has a watching brief on the protection of human rights in Australia. The concept of human rights is based on a common recognition of the importance of fair treatment for all and the belief that people should be able to live free of violence, discrimination and abuse. HREOC is charged with promoting public understanding and acceptance of human rights. We also have statutory obligations to investigate and attempt to conciliate complaints of unlawful discrimination under the federal anti-discrimination laws. While many Australians like to think that the spirit of a ‘fair go’ is embedded in Australian culture, history tells a different story. The White Australia policy reflects the deep vein of racism that pervaded public administration for a large part of the last century. Ten years after HREOC’s Bringing them home report (which dealt with the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families) only the Tasmanian Government has had the moral courage to introduce a compensation package for members of that stolen generation. ] (More)