One in 10 Aussies are racist: study

The lead author of a 10-year study into the attitudes of Australians towards cultural diversity says the findings are encouraging.

Researchers from the University of Western Sydney surveyed about 12,500 people across the country about their opinions on cultural diversity and racism.

It found that New South Wales is the least tolerant of all the states and territories.

Human Geography and Urban Studies Professor Kevin Dunn says overall Australian's are accepting of cultural differences.

"More than 80 per cent of people see cultural diversity as a benefit and that's a good thing for Australian society," he said.

"More than half are comfortable with the experience of cultural difference too and they reported that to us as well.

"Well this is a positive and negative, probably only one in 10 we would call racial supremacists, they believe in racism that some are inferior and superior to others."