Racist signage at Pinjin Station has been condemned by the department
| Date: | Monday, 02 July 2018 |
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The posting of racist signs in Pinjin in the Goldfields is resoundingly condemned by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
DMIRS Director General David Smith said the highly offensive signs targeting the local Aboriginal community of Pinjin Station were contrary to the community’s and the Department’s values and standards. One sign stated that “Minister Johnston (Minister for Mines and Petroleum) and DMIRS support us”.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. We do not support anyone who would stoop to the level of intimidating an Indigenous community by making unfounded accusations and death threats in order to achieve their aims,” Mr Smith said.
“We wholeheartedly denounce the actions of the person or people posting these racist signs and circulating offensive photos.
“I note that local Police are investigating and I hope the culprits are quickly caught and brought to justice.”
DMIRS has a proud record of supporting and respecting Indigenous communities, not just in relation to mining but across the Department’s other areas of responsibilities, including Consumer Protection, Building and Energy, WorkSafe and Labour Relations.
“DMIRS adheres strictly to anti-racist, anti-discrimination policies and proactively employs Indigenous people in many areas of our activities so that our workforce reflects the community it serves,” Mr Smith said.
“We work to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are directly involved in developing and implementing programs specifically aimed at assisting, empowering and educating Indigenous communities throughout WA.”
Media Contact: Phone 9222 6102 or email media@dmirs.wa.gov.au.
