Key Points
- Six teenagers have been charged following the alleged assault of a Sikh security guard at Bendigo marketplace.
- Amid community outrage, there are calls for better protection including stronger safety measures.
- Australia's security officers are typically young, male and culturally diverse, according to a report.
Victoria Police have charged six teenagers in connection with the alleged assault of a 20-year-old Sikh security guard from Melton South, Melbourne, at a Bendigo shopping centre on Monday afternoon.
A person close to the alleged victim told SBS Punjabi that the guard underwent a thorough examination at a hospital after being assessed by paramedics.
"He is in good spirits, and he is grateful for the concern shown by the Sikh community and the wider Australian community," the person said.
In a statement, Victoria Police said, "a group of teenagers allegedly punched and kicked him and dragged him to the ground before members of the public intervened and were also assaulted in the process".
"A 17-year-old boy was charged with affray, intentionally cause injury and recklessly cause injury on Tuesday.
"Further enquires by detectives lead to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy."
Police said the pair had been charged with affray, unlawful assault and other assault-related offences and would appear at a children’s court at a later date.
"They are yet to appear in court. The investigation into the incident is ongoing," Victoria Police said.
Jaswinder Singh from Sikh Volunteers Australia expressed deep concern over the incident.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the (alleged) victim and his family during this incredibly difficult time. This senseless act of violence is not just an attack on an individual but a painful reminder of the challenges faced by hardworking members of our community," Singh said.
"No one should feel unsafe while doing their job and serving the community. We humbly request authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure justice is served swiftly."
Amar Singh from Turbans 4 Australia also condemned the alleged attack, saying, "Sadly, too many hardworking Australians are (becoming) a victim of senseless youth crime in Victoria".
The alleged attack has sparked outrage within the Sikh community and has been condemned by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan who is also the Member for Bendigo East.
“My priority and this government's priority is the safety of the community. We will review the laws to ensure what needs to be done to make sure that the community feels safer,” Attorney General, Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP, said in a
Security guards call for greater protection
SBS Punjabi spoke to Danny Hardial Singh, a second-generation Australian Sikh security guard, to understand the risks faced by culturally diverse security personnel. Having worked in patrols, crowd control, and various security roles, he shared his perspective on the growing challenges.
"We are increasingly facing verbal and physical abuse while on the job," he said.
At least two guards at the same venue is the pressing need of the hour, or the right to carry tasers or batons for protection.Danny Hardial Singh
"This was a highly crowded place where this incident has happened, (so) imagine doing security at isolated places — we are very vulnerable.
"Self-defence training should be a mandatory part of security training. Big changes are needed to keep security staff safe."
Recently, in Epping, Melbourne’s north,
South Australia's largest union, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), has also following a series of nationwide retail crime incidents.
Australia’s security officers are typically young and culturally diverse, with
According to the Scanlon report, most security officers are men, although about 20 per cent are female, and many are from migrant backgrounds, either recent arrivals or international students on temporary work visas.
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