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A virus doesn’t have a race or nationality – so let’s not isolate members of our community

From sensational headlines that tie the coronavirus to nationality, to advertisements that peddle tired old stereotypes about China, over the last fortnight we’ve seen many unfortunate examples of racism directed towards members of the Chinese community.

11 February 2020

Over the weekend, news reports emerged that a cruise company had instructed all holders of Chinese, Hong Kong and Macau passports that they wouldn’t be allowed to board planned cruises – regardless of when they’d last been in China.

Under Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act, it’s against the law for organisations providing goods and services, employment or education to discriminate against you because of your race.

If you’ve experienced discrimination, you can make a complaint to the Commission on 1300 292 153. Our free complaints service can help you to understand the law and resolve your complaint. If you’re part of a group that has experienced discrimination, a union, community organisation or other representative can make a complaint on your behalf.

During any public health incident, it’s vital that people can access accurate information about the risks and how they can best protect themselves and their families. But this kind of blanket approach without an accurate assessment of risk is likely to marginalise many people and potentially subject them ridicule or contempt.

Diversity is one of Victoria’s strengths, so let’s not let racism cause division in our community.

Find out more about our complaints service

Media contact

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1300 292 153
Email: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

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Address
Melbourne Victoria 3000

General enquiries
enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

Enquiry line
1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583

Interpreters
1300 152 494

NRS Voice Relay
1300 555 727 then use 1300 292 153

Media enquiries
1300 292 153

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledges that we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission recognises the injustice resulting from the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples’ territories and the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s findings of genocide, crimes against humanity and denial of freedoms.