Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has reaffirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to protecting migrant workers and tackling racism directed at Indian-origin truck drivers, following growing concerns within the Indian community over racial abuse and intimidation.

In an interview with NDTV, Minister Burke acknowledged reports of racial slurs, verbal harassment and even death threats directed at Indian-origin truck drivers over CB radio, describing the situation as a “grim reality”. He emphasised that addressing racism requires both practical government action and a clear public message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Burke highlighted the Australian Government’s investment in dedicated migrant worker support centres operating in every Australian capital city. The centres, funded through trades and labour councils, provide assistance to migrant workers, including temporary visa holders who may be more vulnerable to workplace exploitation and reluctant to approach government authorities directly.

The Minister also pointed to recent visa reforms designed to better protect migrant workers. Under the new arrangements, workers who report workplace exploitation can do so without fear of employers using visa cancellation as retaliation, providing greater confidence for individuals to report misconduct.

Addressing the broader issue of racism, Burke criticised political rhetoric that he believes contributes to division within Australian society. He urged Australians to stand together in solidarity against hatred and reaffirmed that Australia’s multicultural identity is one of its greatest strengths.

Drawing comparisons with India’s long multicultural history, Burke said Australia’s diversity should be celebrated, adding that while people come from many different backgrounds, “the only thing that people should have to leave behind are hatreds.”

The comments come as Australia’s Indian community, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing migrant communities, continues to raise concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Indian-origin truck drivers, even as Australia-India relations continue to strengthen.

Editorial Credit

This article is based on original reporting by Aditya Raj Kaul, Senior Executive Editor, NDTV, and has been republished by Indus Age with permission.

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