"Most people don't report it": Ballarat's recent hate problems must not be ignored

In March, two hate-motivated attacks took place in Ballarat against members of the Muslim community. The incidents occurred less than a week apart. 

Home affairs minister Tony Burke said it represented the opposite of who Australians are. 

🗣️“People that go in to shout abuse at people, intimidate people and use dehumanising language against people for observing their faith - don’t pretend you’re patriotic,” said Burke. 

Ballarat has historically had several brushes with extreme hate. In 2023, there were several incidents of verbal abuse in the street against people of colour and, at the end of the year, a neo-nazi rally. 

The Muslim community in Ballarat is relatively small - less than 1,000 according to 2021 census data - but its targeting has locals concerned.

❓Quick catch up: 

• On March 8, a half-clothed, self-declared far-right individual reportedly invaded an Iftar dinner in Ballarat, allegedly screaming racial slurs, terrifying children and attempting to attack Muslim attendees of the community event.

• On March 14, a pharmacy worker and an intern had a regular customer get frustrated with a certain protocol. The customer began yelling racists phrases such as “f*** all of you Muslims, I’m going to another Aussie pharmacy from now, f*** Islam.” 

• No arrests were made at either incident. 

The City Of Ballarat Mayor, Tracey Hargreaves, released a statement on March 10 denouncing any form of hatred in the community: 

• “We strongly condemn racial discrimination and intimidation and acknowledge how important it is for people of all cultures and religions to celebrate their traditions in a safe and friendly environment,” said Hargreaves. “The City of Ballarat is committed to achieving a safe, connected, and welcoming community for all.” 

An expert perspective: Matteo Vergani, an Associate Professor in Sociology at Deakin University, was one of four authors of a recent report from Islamophobia Register Australia studying Islamophobia. It found an increase in reported incidents by community members. 

Vergani told the Brolga a lot of factors throughout daily life have contributed to the increase.

Media reporting under the microscope: Vergani said the media plays a crucial role in shaping narratives. The way world events are delivered to the public has an impact on community perceptions, and it is “important to have responsible language”.

• “There’s also a double standard in the way Muslim victims versus other victims are reported on,” said Vergani. “Responsible language minimises the impact this reporting can have on reinforcing prejudice.” 

The study found far-right politicians often villainise immigration and multiculturalism, casting it as a threat to the so-called Australian way of life. 

• “Far-right parties in both Australia and globally are capitalising on the perception that migration impacts negatively on the life of people,” said Vergani. “It’s true, quality of life is declining. Migration is often used as a scapegoat as a simple way to explain why lives are more difficult.” 

Community response: In response to the March attacks, a rally was organised in central Ballarat in late March by the Ballarat Anti-Racism Collective. Belinda Coates, a community advocate and former deputy mayor, was a key speaker at the event. 

🗣️: “It is just so incredibly important to stand up and speak out publicly, now more than ever,” Coates told the Brolga. “The vast majority of people in our community support multiculturalism, but there has been an alarming rise in racism, not just in recent weeks or months but over the last few years.” Coates told the Brolga. 

• “Increase in reported racism is only the tip of the iceberg, most people don’t report it formally.” 

• “It’s really emboldened by politicians actively and stridently promoting racism and bigotry with very little scrutiny and consequence.” 

The offenders from both cases have not faced charges.