Indian-Origin Truck Drivers in Australia Report Widespread Racist Abuse

Indian-origin truck drivers in Australia have reported facing frequent racist abuse, ranging from verbal slurs to explicit death threats broadcast over citizens band (CB) radios, according to a report by ABC News. The abuse has prompted some drivers to avoid using the communication devices essential for safety alerts on long-haul routes.

Jaswinder Boparai, an Australian citizen and father of two who runs a small trucking fleet, recalled an incident at a truck stop in South Australia. While speaking in Punjabi on the phone with his wife, another driver spat on him. “That is one incident, which I will never forget because it's humiliating,” he said.

Every Indian-origin driver interviewed by ABC News said they had repeatedly faced racism while working on Australian roads. However, few complaints reach authorities, with drivers citing anonymous perpetrators, language barriers, lack of awareness about workplace rights and little faith that reporting would lead to action.

Narinder Singh, who worked in New Zealand’s freight sector for a decade, lasted only eight months in Australia’s trucking industry before deciding to leave. After an emergency forced him to briefly park in the wrong place, he said he was mocked for wearing a turban and called a “currymuncher”. He noted that minor mistakes attracted harsher reactions than those made by non-migrant drivers. “They'll swear profanity, show you fingers, tell you to go back, and call you names,” he said.

Driver Pippal Singh has recorded messages directed at Indian drivers that include chilling threats, such as “There's a civil war coming. We're going kill all the f***ing male Indians, we're going to drown all the f***ing kids and sell all the women …” and “A good Indian is a dead Indian.” He said he now barely switches on his CB radio. “Why would anyone turn this thing on? There's no point,” he said.

The consequences extend beyond offensive language. Drivers say many now avoid listening to or speaking on CB radios, even though the devices are important for sharing safety alerts on long-haul routes. Identifying those responsible is nearly impossible because CB users are not required to reveal their names or locations, according to truck driver Sukhpal Singh.

The Australian Human Rights Commission acknowledged to ABC News that racist behaviour exists within the road freight industry. However, it said pursuing individual complaints is “very difficult” when offenders cannot be identified. The commission added that employers have a responsibility to protect workers from psychosocial harm and called for a broader, “systemic approach” to tackling racism in the industry.

The reports come as Australia increasingly depends on migrant workers to keep freight moving. Census data shows Indians have been the country's fastest-growing migrant community over the past decade, filling critical labour shortages in transport and logistics. Despite that reliance, the industry faces a severe workforce crunch. The International Road Transport Union estimated in 2024 that Australia was short nearly 28,000 heavy vehicle drivers as experienced workers retired and few younger Australians entered the profession.

This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his third visit to Australia, which culminated in a high-profile appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.