I have been driving trucks across Australia since 2014, with most of my work involving interstate routes.
Throughout these years, I have maintained an impeccable driving record, free from accidents or any other incidents. I have always adhered to the rules and regulations of the road.
There are many other Indian-origin drivers like me, who also maintain excellent records – far outnumbering the “bad apples”.
However, despite my years of safe and responsible driving, I have consistently faced a troubling issue that has caused me great distress and anger: the pervasive racism directed at Indian-origin truck drivers.
This racism is not an occasional occurrence; it happens daily. I often keep my truck’s radio turned off because the UHF channels, which should be used for important road information, are frequently hijacked by those who use it to hurl racist slurs instead.
I have been called derogatory names like “towelhead,” “black c**t,” and “curry muncher.” The abuse extends beyond the radio and is rampant on social media as well.
The UHF radio, a tool meant to ensure safety and communication, has become a platform for hate speech against Indian-origin drivers.
Facebook groups perpetuate this toxic behaviour daily, yet nothing is done to address it.
Under the guise of ‘Aussie banter’, this racism is left unchecked and unchallenged.
The National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) stands out as one of the few organisations that has spoken out against the racism faced by Indian-origin drivers, for which I am grateful.
They have acknowledged the issue and taken a stand, unlike many others who turn a blind eye.
Indian-origin drivers are often unfairly blamed for bad driving and accidents. It has become a disturbing trend for UHF radio users to automatically speculate and blame Indian drivers whenever an incident occurs, regardless of who was actually behind the wheel.
This blanket blame on Indian-origin drivers is not only unjust but also counterproductive.
We cannot solve any issues in the industry by indulging in such harmful stereotypes and scapegoating.
Racism and discrimination against Indian-origin truck drivers in Australia is an issue that demands immediate attention and condemnation from both authorities and the public.
Racism is a violation of basic human rights and undermines the values of diversity, inclusion, and equality that Australia prides itself on.
Addressing this issue should be a priority, and I believe it should be included in driver training programs.
To tackle this problem, we need to engage with the Indian-Australian community, truck driver associations, and other stakeholders to better understand the challenges faced and develop targeted solutions.
By promoting respect and addressing these concerns within the trucking industry, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all drivers.
- This is a copy of the speech made by Jaswinder, a Melbourne-based fleet owner and NRFA member, at an industry roundtable held at Parliament House on September 6 under the theme ‘Keeping Our Roads and HV Drivers Safe’.