Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has condemned racist abuse targeting Indian-origin truck drivers across the country, announcing new government-backed protections for migrant workers while warning against political rhetoric that fuels division.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia, Burke acknowledged reports of racial slurs, harassment and death threats being directed at Indian truck drivers through workplace channels, including CB radio communications used by freight operators.
“It is a grim reality,” Burke said, outlining a two-part response focused on both practical protections and public messaging against racism.
The minister said the government had invested in dedicated migrant worker support centres operating in every Australian capital city to help visa holders facing exploitation, discrimination and workplace abuse.
Burke said migrant workers often hesitate to approach government agencies directly because of concerns about their visa status or possible retaliation from employers.
“We have made a very significant investment in centres dedicated to the rights of migrant workers,” he said, adding that many workers prefer to initially report issues “in a quiet way”.
He also highlighted reforms designed to protect workers who report exploitation, ensuring employers cannot use visa cancellation threats as a form of retaliation.
“If that’s the scenario, you have no power,” Burke said, describing the previous system as leaving vulnerable workers with limited options.
The comments follow growing concerns among Indian-origin truck drivers about racist abuse on Australian roads.
Earlier this year, ABC News reported cases of Indian truck drivers experiencing repeated harassment, including being abused for speaking Punjabi, targeted over their turbans and subjected to hateful messages through truck radio communications.
One driver said he was spat on at a South Australian truck stop while speaking Punjabi with his wife on the phone.
Other drivers reported being called racist slurs and receiving threats over CB radio, with some saying the abuse had become so severe that they avoided using the communication system while driving.
“A good Indian is a dead Indian,” says one radio user.
“There’s a civil war coming. We’re going kill all the f***ing male Indians, were going to drown all the f***ing kids and sell all the women …”
“You filthy Indian c**** wouldn’t f***ing stand up to a f***ing white man, the f***in p**fters.”
Burke said racism against Indian Australians and other migrant communities had no place in the country.
“There have been some politicians who have made some horrific comments about the Indian community,” he said, adding that Australia must “stand firm in solidarity” against attempts to divide communities.
Without naming individuals, Burke criticised sections of the political right, including Liberal, National and One Nation figures, accusing some politicians of encouraging Australians to turn against each other.
“I hope that those three right-wing parties over time walk back from that.”
Burke said Australia had never been a monocultural nation and compared multicultural society to an orchestra where different communities contribute to a shared harmony.
“We’re like an orchestra. There are a whole lot of different instruments, but they play in harmony together.”
Indian Australians are one of the country’s fastest-growing migrant communities, with many working across critical sectors including transport, healthcare, technology and small business.
In 2024, the International Road Transport Union estimated Australia was short about 28,000 heavy vehicle drivers, as veteran drivers retired and few Australian-born young people took their place.
Burke said combating racism and protecting migrant workers was essential to maintaining Australia’s social cohesion and ensuring all communities feel safe and valued.
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