Human Rights Commission condemns racist attacks on Geelong cabdrivers

08/02/2008

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission today condemned the bashings of three Indian taxi drivers in Geelong as criminal behaviour and called on all Victorians to adopt a zero tolerance attitude on racism.

“Violent behaviour is criminal behaviour and when violence is fuelled by racial prejudice and discrimination it may also be a criminal offence of racial vilification – in both instances it is unacceptable,” said Dr Szoke.

“Indications that the bashings may have been a spillover from the tensions of International Cricket is telling, but this provides no justification for this type of malicious and shameful behaviour.

“Everyone has a right to go about their daily lives in safety, without fear, without threat, without violence.”

Dr Szoke also reinforced the need for improved driver safety, and better protection from this kind of anti-social behaviour.

“The Commission has worked closely with the Victorian Taxi Directorate in the past to ensure our cab drivers aren’t targets of racially motivated violence and will continue to do so.”

Although Victoria is Australia’s most multicultural state and enjoys an enviable record of racial acceptance, Dr Szoke cautioned Victorians against developing a sense of resignation towards racist abuse and violence in our communities.

Dr Szoke warned that while violent behaviour is always a matter for the police, racially motivated abuse and attacks may amount to vilification under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act which has both criminal and civil provisions.

Under the Act, the Commission investigates complaints of racial vilification as unlawful conduct but serious vilification, which is extreme hateful and inciting behaviour, is a criminal offence.

One of the Commission’s primary responsibilities is to help people resolve complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment and racial and religious vilification by providing a free, impartial conciliation service.

“Racist violence is contrary to the civic values and principles that make Australia a tolerant and inclusive society.

“It is at times like this that we must be most vigilant about protecting the human rights of all our citizens.”