Investigation Launched into Racial Discrimination Allegations Against NSW Government
Australian Human Rights Commission investigates alleged racial discrimination by NSW government
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
The Australian Human Rights Commission is investigating allegations of racial discrimination by the New South Wales government against organizations representing South Asian Muslims and caste-oppressed Hindus. The complaint, filed by the Alliance Against Islamophobia and Patca, claims that the government failed to address serious concerns about discrimination and endorsed the Hindu Council of Australia despite ongoing complaints.
- 01The Australian Human Rights Commission is investigating a complaint against NSW's multiculturalism minister, Steve Kamper.
- 02The complaint alleges racial discrimination against South Asian Muslim and caste-oppressed Hindu organizations.
- 03Concerns include the government's failure to address caste-based discrimination and endorse the Hindu Council of Australia.
- 04The complaint cites violations of the Racial Discrimination Act, particularly regarding exclusion based on race.
- 05The commission can facilitate conciliation but cannot determine if unlawful discrimination occurred.
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The Australian Human Rights Commission is investigating a complaint against Steve Kamper, the New South Wales multiculturalism minister, and his department over allegations of racial discrimination. The complaint, lodged by the Alliance Against Islamophobia and the Periyar Ambedkar Thoughts Circle of Australia (Patca), claims that Kamper and Multicultural NSW failed to adequately respond to issues raised by organizations representing South Asian Muslims and caste-oppressed Hindus. Specifically, it alleges that they did not investigate concerns regarding the Hindu Council of Australia and minimized issues raised by these communities. Furthermore, the complaint states that Multicultural NSW omitted references to caste-based discrimination in its community relations reports for 2023 and 2024, despite significant community concern. While the commission accepted the complaint under section nine of the Racial Discrimination Act, it did not find sufficient grounds for a claim of racial hatred under section 18C. A spokesperson for Kamper emphasized the government's commitment to supporting all communities and stated that Multicultural NSW has engaged with the complainants to discuss their concerns. The investigation highlights ongoing issues of caste discrimination and divisions within the Indian-Australian community, particularly related to Hindu nationalist rhetoric targeting minority groups.
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This investigation could lead to increased awareness and action regarding racial and caste discrimination in New South Wales, affecting community relations and policies.
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