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Democracy in Colour

Democracy in Colour is a registered charity and advocacy organisation focused on racial justice in Australian democracy. Its focus is on who participates in democracy — addressing the structural barriers and systemic racism that shape whose voices are heard in political, media, and civic life — rather than procedural democratic reform.

It was founded with Neha Madhok as National Director (approximately 2017–2024); the current National Director is Noura Mansour.

Campaigns and programs

  • Racism Out of Politics — flagship campaign targeting racial bias in political discourse
  • Racism Out of Media — targeting systemic racism in Australian media coverage
  • Racial Justice Program (formerly People of Colour Placement Program) — a leadership pipeline placing people of colour into political and civic institutions
  • Western Sydney Climate Justice Fellowship — builds climate leadership among PoC communities in Western Sydney
  • Melbourne Create Change Fellowship — similar fellowship for Melbourne-based PoC

Note on scope

Democracy in Colour's work is distinct from electoral or procedural reform organisations. Its framing is racial justice and political power — changing who has a seat at the table — rather than changes to democratic mechanisms or institutions. It is included here as part of the broader democracy landscape because representation and participation are structural democratic questions.