The National Justice Project has today filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on behalf of Mr Raymond Davison and his family and friends.
The complaint alleges that two Sydney hotels, the Bidwill Hotel and the Carousel Inn, denied Mr Davison’s friends and family access and service because, or at least partly because, they were a group of Aboriginal people.
The case went viral in Feb this year when video footage of the incident was released by one of the mourners.
The complaint also alleges that NSW police overreacted to the situation with intimidation and an excessive police presence, including the use of the Dog Squad and Riot Police.
Speaking on behalf of the complainants, Mr Davison said the incident was hurtful and humiliating for all the family and friends involved.
“We had just come from a wake for one of our loved ones, so it was already a sad day for us all. We just wanted to get lunch at the hotel like anyone else, so to be turned away because of who we are was deeply hurtful and humiliating.”
“When we sought clarification about the decision not to let us in, the riot police arrived with a dog squad. It was incredibly intimidating and being treated like a criminal added to the humiliation.”
“To make matters worse someone rang ahead to another hotel and told them not to serve us.”
“We shouldn’t have to put up with that sort of treatment, it just goes to show that Racism is alive and well in our country and that is why we are making a stand.” Davison said.
“Race-based discrimination is not acceptable in our society, which is why we have taken this case to the Australian Human Rights Commission,” said Adjunct Professor George Newhouse, CEO of the National Justice Project.
“The complaint covers around 25 individuals and seeks a public apology and compensation from the respondents and requires each of them to establish a reconciliation action plan including a commitment to Aboriginal employment opportunities and targets and to undertake training in cultural safety for all staff” Prof Newhouse said.
The National Justice Project is a not-for-profit legal service. We use the law and education to fight systemic prejudice and we combine strategic legal action with effective advocacy to advance human rights and social justice in Australia.
