Uber Driver Files Federal Court Lawsuit Against Queensland Police Over Alleged Discrimination
An Uber driver has initiated legal proceedings against Queensland police, alleging he was subjected to discrimination, according to a statement of claim lodged in the federal court. The case centres on remarks captured on body-worn camera that have sparked significant concern within Queensland's Indian community.
Racist Comments Revealed in Court Documents Cause Community Distress
Australia's race discrimination commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has stated that Queensland's Indian community has been left "very distressed" by what he described as "clearly a racist statement" revealed in court documents. The incident is expected to make community members less likely to report offences to police in future.
According to the lawsuit filed in federal court, an officer was recorded saying, "fucking Indians, mate, they are a bunch of fucking perverts" to his colleague on Australia Day in 2023. The two senior constables subsequently charged an Indian Uber driver with committing an indecent act for allegedly masturbating in public.
Charges Dismissed After Witnesses Fail to Appear
The court documents reveal that the charges against the Uber driver were dismissed more than a year later when two witnesses failed to appear in court. The driver is now pursuing legal action against Queensland police, claiming discrimination based on the officers' conduct and remarks.
In its defence filed with the court, Queensland police has acknowledged the recording was made accidentally but denied that any actions by the two officers or the police prosecutor were motivated by "race", "colour" or "national ethnic origin".
Commissioner Calls for Police Accountability and Systemic Change
Sivaraman emphasised that migrant communities often feel reluctant to engage with police due to concerns about not being heard, believed, or represented. "This kind of incident will just perpetuate that harm," he warned, noting it confirms existing community beliefs and makes police trust-building more difficult.
The commissioner pointed to several critical issues highlighted by this case:
- The need for police to do more to eliminate racism within their ranks
- Implementation of recommendations from the Human Rights Commission's national anti-racism framework
- Development of racial literacy within law enforcement nationwide
- Disciplinary action against officers involved in such incidents
- Establishment of independent police oversight mechanisms
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
A Queensland police spokesperson confirmed the service had "received a complaint that a senior constable made unprofessional comments while on duty, which were perceived to have negative racial connotations." Following assessment and inquiries, the officer underwent professional development strategies addressing the conduct and reinforcing expected standards.
The spokesperson added that Queensland Police Service does not publicly comment on specific disciplinary outcomes for individual members but remains committed to respectful and impartial policing to maintain community confidence.
Government Action and Oversight Delays
The incident has highlighted broader concerns about police accountability. Nearly two years after a deadline recommended by the landmark women's safety and justice taskforce, police continue to investigate police matters internally.
Queensland Attorney General Deb Frecklington declined to answer questions about when the government would establish a promised police integrity unit, stating only that officials were "calmly and methodically working through the process."
Sivaraman stressed that some action must be taken against the officers involved to demonstrate such behaviour is serious and unacceptable. The case continues to unfold in federal court as community leaders watch closely for outcomes that could affect police-community relations across Queensland.
