Racism causes tears and taxes

The total cost of mental illness, including depression is about $20 billion, which includes the costs from loss of productivity and participation in the workforce, according to the Council of Australian Governments.

And the evidence shows that people who cop discrimination are much more likely to smoke and abuse alcohol or other drugs.

A new VicHealth study released today shows that nearly two out of every five people from a non-English speaking background experience discrimination in the workplace at some stage.

But wouldn’t light-hearted insults or abuse wash off the victim’s back? Many of them will.

The evidence shows that Victoria’s large culturally diverse population deal with fairly high levels of discrimination in education, when looking for housing, in shops, at sports and public events, not to mention when seeking health care.

How many times does a hammer hit a nut before it cracks?

More than two million Victorians are either born overseas or have a parent born overseas. Victoria is one of the most diverse states on earth, with more than 180 different languages spoken here. People from over 200 countries are proud to call Victoria home.

The VicHealth survey of more than 4,000 Victorians found that nine out of ten people think it is good for communities to be made up of different cultures. However, it also found more than eight out of ten Victorians recognise that racial prejudice exists. When we all have a problem which impacts on the health and wellbeing of too many Victorians, we all bear the cost.

Authorities from the Victorian Government to the World Health Organisation recognise the need to invest in preventing ill health. Disease prevention and promotion of good health and wellbeing walk hand in hand. We need to walk together in reducing the health impacts of discrimination on our culturally diverse communities.