Premier denounces racism, pledges to take on case of bashed student

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has denounced racism and pledged to do what he can to help an Indian student bashed in Hobart remain in the country.

Devarshi Deka, parents Deepalee and Kula at Parliament House, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has denounced racism and pledged to do what he can to help an Indian student bashed in Hobart remain in the country so he can receive appropriate medical care.

Devarshi Deka, 32, came to Australia to study a master’s degree at the University of Tasmania

But he suffered serious injuries including brain damage and has been left a quadriplegic after he was assaulted in November.

A petition signed by 6000 people urging the state government to advocate on his behalf was tabled in state parliament by Greens MP Helen Burnet on Wednesday.

“This is a strong message from the Tasmanian community that this island will not tolerate racism,” she said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff during Question Time in parliament. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Rockliff told parliament he would do what he could to help Mr Deka.

“We need to do more when it comes to supporting our multicultural communities,” he said.

“We’ve got a very proud record in Tasmania but we also need to absolutely vigorously invest and do all we can when it comes to stamping out racism in and across our community, right across Tasmania.

“It is utterly abhorrent and in my very strong view is not a reflection of the Tasmanian people.

“The Tasmanian people are reflected in the 6000 petitioners today.

“Of course, we’ll make representation to Canberra on the family’s behalf and also reiterate senseless acts of violence or under any circumstances have no place here in Tasmania.”

Federal minister Bill Shorten last week said the government could not bend the rules to extend benefits available for Australians to cover non-citizens.

Greens member for Clark Helen Burnet holds the petition with Devarshi Deka, parents Deepalee and Kula at Parliament House, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Burnet said it was important for the state government to rally support for Dev to be given permanent residence so he could access the care he needs.

“I think whatever support that we can get is very important to have,” she said. “This is access to the NDIS, which Dev requires.

“If he were to try and get permanent residence residency through normal channels, he wouldn’t he wouldn’t be able to do that because he wouldn’t pass the medical.

“This terrible situation which Dev finds himself in has happened on our watch.”

Dev’s family thanked the Greens and the people of Tasmania for their support.

A man has been charged with assault, stating a false name and address and resisting a police officer over the incident involving Dev Deka.

He has not entered a plea, remains in custody and will reappear in court in June.