Overview
The study drew on 759 survey (quantitative and qualitative) responses, plus an additional 143 qualitative inputs collected over 12 months (March 2025–March 2026). Data was collected via various streams. Data was gathered through online surveys, community information sessions, digital/physical community notice boards, businesses, pop-up stalls, door-to-door engagement, and street-side conversations. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Tasmania (H0031868).
Stories From Tasmania
We are sincerely grateful to the community members who shared their experiences of racism in Tasmania.
WARNING: Some of the experiences expressed in the video case-studies may be distressing.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19LL8tEEHo/
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MLRw4eR7p/
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BVBZrmPHP/
Data Collection Methodologies
In conjunction with other researchers, Sherlock & Dutta Consulting adopted two methodologies for data collection:
- Qualitative Data Collection
A program of interviews were conducted around the State to collect experiences, which were recorded and then thematically analysed. A standardised interview methodology was developed based on well-established, peer-reviewed instruments for the measurement of perceived racism/racial discrimination through information sharing sessions. Two questions, adapted to the Tasmanian context from the 2024 Anti-Racism Framework report commissioned by the Australian Human Rights Commission (2024) will be used to collect qualitative data.
- Quantitative Data Collection
Data was collected on both racist attitudes and incidents of racism through a survey instrument and other sources to capture quantitative data. The survey questions utilised pre-validated, peer-reviewed instruments that were developed by other researchers, specifically for the Australian context and previously utilised in academic research. The quantitative data collections and analysis were conducted in collaboration with expert qualitative and quantitative researchers.
Two specific psychometric instruments were used to collect the quantitative data:
The Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire-Community Version (PEDQ-CV) is specifically designed to measure perceived exposure to ethnic discrimination in community dwelling adults from any ethnic/racial background. It was originally developed by Brondolo et al. (2005) and has been widely used since its development. This version of the PEDQ-CV assesses four subscales related to Lifetime Exposure: Exclusion/rejection, Stigmatisation/disvaluation, Discrimination at work/school and Threat/aggression.
The Racism, Acceptance, and Cultural-Ethnocentrism Scale (RACES) originally developed by Grigg and Manderson (2015) specifically for the Australian context. RACES measures three subscales: Accepting Attitude, Racist Attitudes, Ethnocentric Attitudes and includes a measure of social desirability (Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale). The instrument is intended to be used across all cultural/ethnic backgrounds and is suitable for both adolescents and adults.
This study was approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee (H0031868). As part of that ethics approval process, measures were undertaken to address issues such as, translation or bi-cultural assistance to be made available upon request, and a rigorous evaluation of risk/benefits for both the qualitative (information-sharing sessions) and quantitative (Likert survey) methods of data collection.
As part of the research – for survey development – pilot consultations, in Tasmania, were undertaken across several groups from different cultural and age backgrounds, who provided extensive feedback on the survey to fine tune its usability, before release.
Download The Report
WARNING: Some of the experiences shared in the report may be distressing.
It’s important to note that this is just the beginning of research on racism within the Tasmanian context. We welcome broad collaboration with stakeholders interested in undertaking further longitudinal studies, professional development, social-action research or practical strategies that develop an anti-racist isle.