Australian Government Regrets Turban Removal Incidents

April 16, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: World Sikh News

http://worldsikhnews.com/16%20April%202008/Australian%20government%20regrets%20turban%20removal%20incidents.htm

In a recent communication to the secretary of the Sikh Council of Australia, Bawa Singh Jasdev, Anthony Albananse, the Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has regretted any offence and inconvenience caused to the Sikh community as a result of the staff at Brisbane Airport requesting the removal of all headwear at the security screening point.

Mr. Albananse, who is also the Leader of the House of Parliament, acknowledged that there was a misunderstanding between the Brisbane Airport Corporation and the private security agency, ISS Security Pty Ltd, and it was not intended to target any specific community group.

The minister clearly said that the Australian Government expects screening authorities to respect the Sikhs' right to sport turbans at all times.