Ms BURNET question to MINISTER for COMMUNITY SERVICES
We have all heard the devastating story of Devarshi Deka, a 32-year-old student from India, now facing severe health and residency challenges following a terrible racially motivated assault.
In late April, I joined taxi drivers and community members appalled at the recent alleged racially motivated attacks on taxi drivers. These are two examples of racism in our community that the government should be compelled to fight, and to support those affected.
What is your government doing regarding the important issue of compensation for drivers whose vehicles may be out of service for repairs due to the damage and vandalism caused in these appalling attacks? How will you address the loss of business for drivers off the road due to these types of attacks?
What mental health supports are being offered to those affected by these despicable targeted racial attacks?
What anti-racism education will be implemented to tackle the racism in the community?
Madam SPEAKER – Time has expired. I will call the Minister for Community Services. I note that there were four questions within that.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I thank you for writing to me to bring some of these matters and concerns to my attention early in my role as Community Services minister. I note that I have replied to your written correspondence and have undertaken the meetings I referred to in my correspondence to you with both the Multicultural Council of Tasmania and Sherlock & Dutta Consulting, which went to this matter generally.
In relation to the more specific grounds for support and compensation, I will take further advice on those matters and come back to you.
Suffice to say that it is concerning that in our beautiful, peaceful city and state of Tasmania there are members of our community, particularly those who are new to Tasmania and Australia, who do not feel safe at times and who feel targeted. We need to ensure that all Tasmanians uphold what we value in this being a safe and welcoming place for all. Everybody should know that racism hurts people who are members of our community. We need to make sure we are reaching out to those from other cultures who have settled here. They might find the whole process of having arrived here, having to find a means of providing for their family, not being able to necessarily use the qualifications they have earned elsewhere immediately. Nevertheless, they are being active members of our economy and our society, contributing to its richness. We need to ensure they are seen, heard and understood, that we understand their perspective and are ensuring that Tasmanians generally are aware that racism and abuse are creeping into our society. They must look out for it and call it out wherever they see it. We will continue to support our multicultural community.
I will bring further information for you, Ms Burnett, in terms of the specific several issues you raised.
Ms Burnet– Back to the House?
Madam SPEAKER – Minister, can I confirm that you are taking both the compensation, the mental health support and actions the government is planning to take on notice? Was that all? Sorry, I want to make sure I noted them all.
Mr JAENSCH – I will take advice on the range of matters included in the question. There were many. I will review that, definitely.
