Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens’ Leader
The violent bashing of a Hobart taxi driver should be condemned by political and community leaders in the strongest terms.
Unless we speak out against racism and prejudice at every turn, nothing will change and blameless people will continue to be hurt, mentally and/or physically on the basis of their skin colour.
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I send our love and support to Mr Mikahil Ahmed and his family.
What happened to Mr Ahmed as he went about trying to earn a living is disgraceful and a sad indictment on the mindset of those who perpetrated this violent crime.
It is more than two years since the Hodgman Liberals took office promising to 'stamp out racially motivated crime.'
Parliament is still waiting to see the legislation that would give judges the power to take the racist motivation of an offender into consideration when sentencing.
The Premier must make this a priority when Parliament returns in August.
This racist attack also reinforces the importance of strong diversity education in our schools, in workplaces, sporting clubs and the like across the community.
Tasmania is an island community made up of peoples from more than 170 different nations and cultures. Our multiculturalism is one of our greatest strengths.