What is Racism?
The definition of racial discrimination as per the World Conference is contained in Article 1 of the 'International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination' to which Australia is a member:
In this Convention, the term "racial discrimination" shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life".

What is Institutional Racism?
Racism includes more than what is expressed through personal thinking, attitudes, behaviours and actions, it can be expressed in the values, structures and processes of social, economic, cultural and political institutions.
Institutional racism is more suttle than personal 'racism'.
Structures and processes often appear to be non-racist and non-discriminatory, but can operate to systematically advantage or value some groups over others.