Commission appeals to Sunraysia community to reject racist material

12/08/2009

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission has expressed disgust and shock at reports that unidentified individuals are circulating offensive material targeting Australian-Africans to Mildura local residents.

Commission CEO Dr Helen Szoke appealed to the local community to actively reject and report offensive material and behaviour of this kind.

"Not only is the circulation of this kind of material divisive and contrary to Australian values, it is potentially against the law under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act," said Dr Szoke.

"The Commission supports the vast majority of Mildura residents who would be deeply disturbed to receive information of this kind," said Dr Szoke. "Our advice is to reject the material, tell other people that you find it unacceptable and contact the Commission for further information or to lodge a complaint of racial vilification."

Racial vilification is a serious behaviour that incites or encourages hatred, serious contempt, revulsion or severe ridicule against another person, or group of people because of their race or religion.

"The Mildura community is a vibrant, multicultural one, where people have been overwhelmingly accepting of new arrivals," says Dr Szoke. " The Commission will work closely with council, government departments and community leaders to support the community with information about their rights and responsibilities."

Any person who wishes to make a complaint about racial vilification can call Commission on (03) 9281 7100.