Australia Post apologises for “racist” sign
Australia Post has apologised profusely for the "inexcusable" wording of a sign in one of its Adelaide stores after coming under fire online and among the Indian community.
A photo from the City Cross store showed a sign informing customers that the store couldn’t take “Indian photos”, leading to accusations of racism and feelings of shock and disbelief in the community.
“Due to our lighting and quality of photo background, we unfortunately CAN NOT take INDIAN photos!” the sign read, followed by the direction to head to another store and an apology for the inconvenience.
A sign at the City Cross Australia Post store in Adelaide has sparked outrage online and in the community and prompted accusations of racism and an apology. Image: @justadelaidethings
Community leader Rajendra Pandey said the wording of the sign was “quite offensive”.
"I thought this was actually talking about my colour," Pandey told 9News.
"I took it personally and so have other people who have contacted me so far."
"It is unfortunate it was poorly worded.”
The sign was later shared online and quickly spread, with hundreds commenting and sharing their outrage.
“That’s insane, they can’t do that,” one person said.
“For the pricing of that sign, they could have fixed the lighting surely?!” said another.
“So it’s only Indians? Other races with dark complexions OK?”
“How hard is it to change the settings?”
Others came to the defence of the postal service, explaining that it may be to do with the particular requirements of Indian passports in comparison to Australian and other passports.
“Indian passports require a 51x51mm size which is different to cut/print to Aussie passport shots,” one person who had previously worked at “a place that did passport photos” said.
“They also prefer off white background colour too instead of pure white like Aus. It’s quite picky and can be annoying for an employee not set up to do it properly and regularly.”
Another user commented: “It’s just a very poorly worded sign, please chill out.”
Australia Post has since issued an apology to the community for any offence caused, noting that passport photos taken at the store in question had been rejected by the Indian Consulate in the past.
"As soon as we were made aware, we immediately removed the sign and have spoken with the team member concerned," a spokesperson said.
“While the wording of this sign is inexcusable, we understand the Indian Consulate had rejected a number of customers’ passport photos provided by this Post Office. We have reached out the High Commission of India to understand the issue with the photographs, so we can rectify this urgently. Although no offence was intended, this lapse in judgement falls well below the standard we expect from Australia Post team members.
“It’s especially disappointing given Australia Post prides itself on its commitment to inclusion and diversity both across our workforce and within our communities. We are fully investigating the issue and will take appropriate action.”
Image: Getty Images