Townsville Indigenous people at risk
Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Bill Jonas, and Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Booth, today expressed concern at attitudes towards Indigenous people in Townsville and the hostile treatment some have experienced.
“It seems the treatment of Indigenous people who live in public spaces around the city and local government efforts to exclude them from these areas, have given a licence to some people in the community to harass, threaten and even assault them,” said Commissioner Jonas.
“The fact is all Indigenous people in Townsville are put at risk by this prevailing attitude, which is very worrying.”
Indigenous people reported incidents of being shot at with flare guns, stoned, bashed, chased and verbally abused.
Commissioner Booth said “People who live in parks have exactly the same rights as any other Queenslander, that is, not to be vilified, harassed or discriminated against. Discrimination laws don't stop at the edge of a park where Indigenous people gather.”
These comments follow a joint visit to Townsville on 17 June, where the Commissioners met with senior staff of Townsville City Council, Indigenous community leaders and people in Deen Park and Happy Valley.
Dr Jonas said “The situation in Townsville is not unique and local government intervention to regulate the presence of Indigenous people in public spaces is not confined to Queensland.”
“A thorough evaluation of the situation is required and the Commission is considering whether to establish a national inquiry to assist in finding a resolution which respects and protects the human rights of all.”
The Commission is currently involved with a community relations strategy in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, which may reveal some useful lessons for local governments dealing with similar issues in other regions.
Media Contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469
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