A council candidate for suburban Melbourne has been left scared for her and her family’s safety after her campaign posters were vandalised with racist and hateful rhetoric just weeks out from the election.
“Australia is for Australians. Go home and fix your own c–try” was written across a billboard for independent candidate for the City of Casey Jamel Kaur Singh.
Singh was left her shaking and her heart racing, telling social media that no one should feel unsafe in their own community.
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“I’ve lived in this beautiful country for 44 years, since I was 4 years old, and this act of hate feels like a direct attack on me and my family,” she said in a social media post.
“Right now, I’m not just shocked — I’m scared. Scared for my safety, scared for my family, and scared for what this means for our community.”
Other corflutes have been ripped to shreds and thrown around.
Speaking to 9News.com.au, Singh said she has never experienced an incident like this.
“This is the first time someone has told me I’m not Australian,” she said.
“That definitely hurts. It makes me feel frustrated, it makes me feel upset.”
Singh said she has lived in Casey for the last 10 years. Before that, she lived in Monash and also South Australia.
“I am local to Casey, my kids […] went to Gleneagles Secondary College, I run two businesses in the area. I am local, there’s no two ways about it,” she said.
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“I’m as local as they come, I’m a genuine local.
“I work local, I support local businesses, I work at volunteer organisations locally. I don’t know how much more local you want me to be.”
Singh has reported the matter to police, who are currently investigating the graffiti.
“Victoria Police takes any politically or racially motivated crime seriously, including criminal damage in the form of graffiti,” police said.
“These are criminal acts, and they will be fully investigated with the aim of holding perpetrators to account.”
Anyone with information, or who may have CCTV and dashcam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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The community, including rival candidates, have rallied behind Singh with words of encouragement and support.
“This is not okay. There is no place for racism in our community. I’m so sorry you are experiencing this,” independent candidate Kim Ross said.
”I’m so sorry you’ve experienced this. Please stay strong and continue your positive campaign. Take care, I hope you’re okay,” independent candidate Arabella Daniel said.
Victorians will vote in the local council elections from October 7 to October 25.
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