Josh Willie says Tasmanians should support multiculturalism after racist attacks against Jarnail Singh

After a series of targeted racist attacks against a well-liked Hobart restaurateur, a Tasmanian MP has thrown his support behind him, urging the public to support multicultural businesses. What he said.

Bellerive, Tasmania Tuesday 7th November. Jarnail Singh is the owner of Dawat The Invitation Restaurant at Bellerive who has been subjected to racial abuse. Picture: Linda Higginson

A Tasmanian MP has thrown support behind a Hobart restaurateur who has been targeted with persistent racist attacks, urging the public to spread the love by supporting migrant businesses.

On Saturday, the Mercury shared the story of Jarnail ‘Jimmy’ Singh, who has dealt with repeated vandalism to his cars and driveway, and has recently received racist letters.

The latest correspondence, received on Thursday calls Mr Singh a “show-off” and warns they will damage his new car.

“I am going to smash scratch and damage your new mustang one night at your house or the restaurant I am going to F*** it up,” it says.

Since then, Labor Member for Elwick, Josh Willie, has come out in support of Mr Singh

“These latest attacks are absolutely abhorrent and we stand with Jimmy and people who make our community great and we stand against perpetrators of racism,” Mr Willie said.

Member for Elwick Josh Willie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I think it’s important as a community leader in the northern suburbs to get that message out loud and clear.

“The majority of people who live in the northern suburbs value our multicultural society, we’re a very successful multicultural society, it makes the northern suburbs a great place to live.”

Mr Willie said he’d reached out to Mr Singh.

He said it was a small number of people spreading racist hate.

“I think it’s a very small minority that participate in this sort of behaviour,” he said.

“The vast majority of Tasmanians and people living in the northern suburbs value our multiculturalism.

“We can support people like Jimmy, who is a successful businessman, by going into his business, and supporting multicultural businesses in the community.

Mr Willie said police had a responsibility to make people feel supported when dealing with repeated, malicious behaviour.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff also threw his support behind Mr Singh.

“I unequivocally condemn racism,” he said.

“There is no room in Tasmania for racism or discrimination, and I am appalled and saddened by the way Mr Singh has been treated.

“The Tasmania I lead is a place where everyone should feel safe and welcome.”

Originally published as Josh Willie says Tasmanians should support multiculturalism after racist attacks against Jarnail Singh