(a) whether Indians are still subjected to racial discrimination in Australia;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether a Sikh man was recently denied entry into a hotel as he refused
to take off his turban;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has lodged any protest with the Australian
Government in this regard; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b): In the past, there have been a number of cases of assault
involving persons of Indian origin in Australia. In some of these cases
racial angle was also reported. The issuo of attacks on Indians in Australia
has been taken up at the highest level by Government of India, including at
the Ministerial level as well as through the High Commission and its Consulates
in Australia. It has been conveyed to the Australian Government that it was
the responsibility of the Australian authorities to ensure the well being
and security of all Indians In Australia. High Commissioner and Consuls Generals
in Australia remain in regular touch with the Australian authorities both at the
federal and the state level. This has resulted in several measures being put
in place on the ground to improve safety and security. The High Commission of India
and Consulates also remain in constant touch with the Indian community to
offer support and assistance and follow-up on all reported cases of attacks.
The steps taken by the Australian authorities have been effective, as reflected
in the substantial decrease in the number of attacks in recent times.
(c) & (d): Yes Sir. It has been informed by High Commission of India in
Australia that on 3 July, 2011, a person belonging to the Sikh community was
denied entry Into the Royal English Hotel, Nundah (Queensland) apparently
because he refused to take off his turban. One of the staff members asked the
man to remove his turban under the Hotel`s no headwear policy. It is learnt
from the hotel that the manager of the hotel had apologized to the person
concerned after the Incident.
(e) & (f): Yes Sir. The High Commission of India, Canberra has taken up the
issue with the Australian Government requesting it to take appropriate measures
to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.