Indigenous musician claims she was ‘refused taxis’ at airport

An Indigenous musician claims she was “refused” service from a taxi driver at Perth airport due to the colour of her skin.

An Indigenous musician says she was left in “tears and anger” after claiming she was refused a ride from a taxi driver because of the colour of her skin.

Award-winning Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji artist Emma Donovan had just flown into Perth on Friday night after the launch of her new record in Melbourne.

However, the 43-year-old claims she was refused service by two taxi drivers despite being at the front of the airport’s taxi line, with one driver even allegedly making a racist comment.

Musician Emma Donovan claims she was refused a taxi at Perth airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“Please someone help me,” she wrote.

“I have arrived at Perth Airport tonight after an amazing CD launch last night in Melbourne, only to find two drivers refusing me in the front of the line.

“One making a comment that he doesn’t like ‘my kind’. I am absolutely fuming writing this in tears and anger.

“I will be reporting these guys somehow. The whole cab line was arguing who would take me, no one wanting to.”

Ms Donovan added that eventually someone offered her a lift in her car. She felt the experience was “racism at its finest”.

“A kind fulla (sic) offered me a lift in his car and took me to Vic Park,” she shared.

“I know this wasn’t because of a short fare, I know this was racism at its finest.

“If anyone has information how to report these two cars properly please help. Sorry for the rant, just felt so hopeless and wild.”

Ms Donovan shared her experience to social media. Picture: Facebook

It is not clear which taxi company the drivers worked for.

A spokesperson for Perth Airport told The West Australian that they had not been made aware of the incident but encouraged Ms Donovan to report it.

“There is no place for racism in our society,” the spokesperson said.

“The taxi industry is regulated by the State Government. We urge Ms Donovan to lodge a report with the Department of Transport, and we would be happy to assist her with lodging the complaint.

“Perth Airport will identify if there is any CCTV footage of the incident and will provide this to the Department to assist in any investigation of the allegations.

Artwork for 'Til My Song Is Done', an album by Emma Donovan released in 2024.

“Perth Airport will also be issuing a reminder to all taxi companies of our expectation that all passengers be treated with courtesy and dignity.”

A spokesperson for the West Australian Department of Transport also told the outlet that drivers who refuse passengers without an acceptable reason are liable to face penalties of up to $3000.

Ms Donovan is a soul-funk singer who is currently touring around Australia to promote her brand new album, Til My Song Is Done.

The ARIA-nominated artist first appeared on stage when she was just a child with her famous family band, The Donovans.

She has since toured and recorded with huge industry names such as Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Spinifex Gum and the late Uncle Archie Roach and the late Aunty Ruby Hunter.