The head of South Australia’s education department has called out an “escalation” in racism directed towards Aboriginal staff, which he says has been caused by the “tone” of the Voice referendum debate.
Key points:
- Martin Westwell says there has been an escalation in racism directed at Aboriginal staff
- The department chief did not detail how many reports of racism he had received
- Mr Westwell reminded teachers they should not advocate or perceived to advocate that students hold a view on the Voice
In an email to employees on Thursday, Department for Education chief executive Martin Westwell said he was “extremely disappointed” by reports that some Aboriginal staff had experienced racism in the lead up to the Voice to Parliament referendum in October.
“It’s expected that, as individuals, we will respectfully engage with and discuss the referendum,” Mr Westwell said in the email.
“Recently, this has not been the experience for some Aboriginal staff.
“I’ve been extremely disappointed to hear that the tone and intensity of the referendum debate has led to an escalation in the racism experienced by our Aboriginal colleagues at work.”
Mr Westwell said that the behaviour would not be tolerated and that all staff had the “right to work in a safe, inclusive and respectful environment”.
“It’s vital we work together to be the best we can be throughout this time,” he said.
“This is especially important for the children and young people who look to us as role models.”
The department-wide email also reminded teachers and support staff to not advocate — or appear to advocate — that students “hold a particular view” on the Voice to Parliament.
In response to questions from the ABC, Mr Westwell did not detail how many reports of racism the department had received or the nature of the complaints.
However, he said one report “is one too many”.
“I have become aware of an increase in racist comments both on our social media platforms and in lived experiences over recent weeks, and feel strongly that one report is one too many,” he said in a statement to the ABC.
“The Department for Education has a mandated procedure for employee complaints which provides for support, confidentiality and procedural fairness.”
In a statement, Education Minister Blair Boyer said that racism had no place in schools or workplaces anywhere across the country.
“Discussions around the referendum are important, particularly given the national significance of such an event, but they need to be conducted in a respectful manner,” Mr Boyer said.
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