Leaders within the Indian community in Australia are urging the federal government to swiftly appoint a special envoy dedicated to addressing increasing incidents of anti-Indian racism. This call for action follows recent anti-immigration rallies and controversial remarks made by Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, which have raised concerns about the safety and representation of Indian migrants.
The rallies, known as “March for Australia,” specifically targeted what participants described as “mass immigration” from India. In light of these events, the Hindu Council of Australia has reiterated its demand for a special envoy, similar to those established to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia. This initiative has garnered provisional support from various groups, including members of the Indian Christian and Sikh communities, as well as non-council-aligned Hindus. They emphasize that the proposed envoy must encompass the experiences and challenges faced by all individuals of Indian heritage.
Surinder Jain, the vice president of the Hindu Council, expressed a desire for the envoy’s scope to include not only Indians but also Hindus from diverse backgrounds. He emphasized that a dedicated envoy would help systematically track, address, and prevent attacks on the community. Jain stated, “It would provide visibility and protection while contributing to a stronger, fairer multicultural framework. Hate and discrimination against Hindus and Indians has often been overlooked or dismissed as ‘jokes taken too seriously.’”
Recent events have underscored the urgency of this proposal. The October 7, 2023, terror attacks by Hamas, followed by Israel’s military actions in Gaza, prompted the Australian government to appoint envoys to combat rising antisemitism and Islamophobia. Community members now seek similar recognition and protection for themselves, particularly in light of distressing incidents targeting Sikh and Hindu temples. These incidents include the vandalism of the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Melbourne in July, lootings at temples in Canberra, and an assault on a 23-year-old Indian student in Adelaide, who was allegedly dragged from his car and racially harassed.
Jain believes that the establishment of a special envoy would ensure that attacks on the Hindu community are not only acknowledged but actively addressed. He pointed out that the current climate of rising intolerance necessitates proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.
As discussions around multiculturalism evolve, the Indian community is calling for a unified approach that genuinely reflects the diversity of its members. By advocating for a broad-based envoy, leaders hope to foster a safer environment for all Australians, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. The need for action is clear, and the demand for a representative voice in government is becoming increasingly urgent.
