PA/59/10 9 October 2010
Australian High Commissioner condemns email
The Australian High Commissioner, Peter Varghese, today condemned the email which had been circulated by two members of the Victorian Police force.
Mr Varghese said the email was offensive and unacceptable. It was contrary to the principles of respect and tolerance which underpinned Australian society.
Mr Varghese welcomed the statement by the Victorian Commissioner of Police, in which the Commissioner said he would deal with the matter in the strongest possible way, including through serious disciplinary charges. The Australian Foreign Minister and the Premier of Victoria have also strongly condemned the email. All statements are given below.
Comment from a Spokesperson for the Australian Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd
The reported contents of emails circulating among members of the Victorian police are outrageous and offensive.
Such communications have no place whatsoever in Australian society - let alone among the professional ranks of the Victorian police force.
They deserve unqualified condemnation.
Statement from the Premier of the State of Victoria, John Brumby
The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, today said racism had no place in Victoria and the State Government had taken strong action to reinforce community tolerance and multiculturalism.
Mr Brumby said he strongly condemned any form of racism and that his Government and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland would continue to combat any instances of racism.
Mr Brumby said he was deeply disturbed to read reports of a racist email being circulated within Victoria Police, but that the Chief Commissioner was taking appropriate action to deal with those responsible and to reinforce the values of respect and tolerance within Victoria Police.
“Any instance of racism is completely offensive and not what I or our community stands for,” Mr Brumby said.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms any racist actions taken by any member of the Victorian community.
“Our Government will continue to take concrete action to crack down on racism.
“The actions of individuals within Victoria Police should not diminish or deter the thousands of good police officers who are committed to doing a very tough job well and to taking action on racism to make our community more tolerant and respectful.”
Mr Brumby welcomed comments from Victoria Police Chief Commissioner that Victoria Police had taken the matter extremely seriously.
The Government has been advised that of the two police officers involved, one has resigned while under investigation and the second officer is facing serious disciplinary action. The Government has been advised that the investigation into the matter is continuing.
Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government had taken a range of concrete actions to address racism and re-affirm the State’s commitment to multiculturalism, including:
- Amending sentencing laws so that judges can take into account hatred for, or prejudice against a particular group when sentencing offenders;
- Victoria Police establishing the Police Indian Western Reference Group to identify, implement and monitor strategies to engage police and Indian communities to reduce the risk of crime;
- Establishing a new 24-hour international student care service so that international students can obtain support and assistance around the clock, including referrals and assistance with accommodation, counselling, legal
assistance and support services; and
- Establishing an international student welcome booth at Melbourne Airport and boosting funding for the Indian International Student Advisory Service.
Victoria is proud to have a strong and vibrant Indian community of more than 200,000 and the Government is a strong supporter of the community having recently hosted a Premier’s Reception to mark Indian National Day.
Statement from Victorian Police Chief Commissioner, Simon Overland
This particular email relates to two police members, one of whom resigned whilst under investigation and a second member who is currently on extended sick leave and facing serious disciplinary charges. Neither of these individuals are senior police officers and we hope to deal with the matter as soon as possible. There are no other members currently facing disciplinary action over this email, however the investigation is continuing.
As I have expressed previously, I do not condone racism in any form in our organisation and we will deal with these matters in the strongest possible way.
Victoria Police is incredibly disappointed with the actions of these two individuals, following all the positive work being undertaken with the Indian community, the Indian High Commissioner and the Indian Consular General in support and assisting Indian nationals living in Melbourne.