Ryde councillor Jordan Lane calls out racism towards Australian-Chinese during coronavirus
From racist graffiti inked on walls to abuse hurled on trains, a Ryde councillor has called out against increased xenophobic attacks targeted at Australian-Chinese during the pandemic.
Northern District Times
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From racist graffiti inked on walls to abuse hurled on trains, a Liberal councillor has called out against increased xenophobic attacks targeted at the Australian-Chinese community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ryde Cr Jordan Lane, who has recently filed a notice of motion condemning racism in the community, said it was more important than ever to promote “social harmony” with the City of Ryde being one of the largest-Australian-Chinese populations in Sydney.
The area is one of Sydney’s most diverse communities with a high rate of Australian-Chinese citizens with about 15.5 per cent of the area’s population having Chinese ancestry and 10.3 percent being born in China, according to 2016 census data.
The notice of motion includes condemning increased xenophobia and racism towards the Australian-Chinese community particularly during the pandemic and to reinforce support for local residents experiencing increased discrimination.
He also called for the issue to be incorporated as part of the ‘Racism Stops with Me’ campaign.
It comes after Cr Lane was told the account of a Malaysian-Australian friend, from Eastwood, who had been verbally abused by another man on a train telling him he should ‘**ck off and die.’
“It made me realise someone going on their day to day life was impacted on what’s happening on an international scale,” Cr Lane told the Northern District Times.
Ryde Community Forum president Tony Tang said the motion was a “good idea” and said he was glad to see Council being so “proactive against racism.”
While Mr Tang said he hasn’t personally experienced any racist attacks during the pandemic he said he was shocked to see someone graffiti ‘**ck Chinese’ on a back lane in Eastwood a few weeks ago which was quickly removed.
“Everywhere now and then you have a ratbag in every suburb and place. Just out of frustration someone wrote something there,” he said.
Cr Lane claimed widespread reporting on the origins of coronavirus and “strained” diplomatic relations between the Chinese and Australian government was putting “pressure” on some in the local community.
He proposed all Ryde councillors to support the motion and take a photo together to represent Council as a unified voice against racism.
“I think the first thing is to acknowledge its existence. It’s not a new thing but it’s being exacerbated right now (…).
“As councillors and local leaders, politics aside, as one united body we can have one unified message to call out racism,” he said.
He also suggested promoting the Racism Stops With Me campaign through banners and anti-racism messaging at upcoming council virtual events.
When asked why he felt so strongly about the issue, Cr Lane said local Chinese-Australians should not be targeted over “strains” in bilateral relations.
“I think it's unfair Australian-Chinese people - some who may have never visited China are being targeted. They shouldn’t suffer based on the disagreements or strains between (Chinese and Australian) governments,” Cr Lane said.
“I feel really strongly about this because I draw a clear distinction of people from certain origins and people’s prejudices against foreign government.”