Recordings of racist conversations attributed to Queensland Police officers
QPASTT is concerned by the racist and violent conversations attributed to members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in recordings published by The Guardian Australia on Sunday 13 November.
“Every Queenslander has the right to live a life free from discrimination, vilification and threats of violence. The content of these recordings has distressed many communities, particularly those who have experienced persecution. It is vital that people can trust that they are safe here in Australia and that public institutions and officials uphold safety and respect for human rights,” said Jamila Padhee, CEO of QPASTT.
Many Queenslanders, including refugee and multicultural communities and First Nations people, have experienced human rights abuses from people and systems of authority. While we acknowledge the QPS has worked hard to engage with multicultural and refugee communities on many issues, QPASTT urges the QPS and Queensland Government to take steps to ensure racism and discrimination are eradicated from organisational cultures and systems within the QPS.
Addressing systemic racism and discrimination is vital in ensuring safe communities where people can heal, belong and thrive.
For media enquiries, email SarahPember@qpastt.org.au
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About QPASTT
QPASTT is a specialist rehabilitation agency providing culturally responsive services to promote the health and wellbeing of people in Australia who have sought safety from persecution, torture and war-related trauma. We are the Queensland representative for the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma.