March 27 2011
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has praised a project designed to improve relations between police and Muslim communities.
The project began across the country in 2007, aiming to break down stereotypes and misconceptions on both sides.
Mr Innes says it improves trust and respect between police and Muslim people. Victoria’s Chief Commissioner of Police, Simon Overland, released a review of the project today.
He says while racism is an inevitable part of society, it has to be tackled.
“It’s almost within our DNA. Now that again is not to say it’s forgivable or excusable. It’s not,” he said.
“I always say the challenge is to actually rise above that and the challenge for a civil society is to rise above that.”
This Saturday the police force are volunteering two officers and a police vehicle for children that will be attending the monthly SAY IT program at Masjid Imam Ali in Lakemba (Lakemba Mosque).
