Victoria police wobbled by racial complaint - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A senior sergeant in Australia's Victoria Police has filed racism complaint against the force, alleging that he was called "a wog" by his senior officers. In a complaint filed with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission against Victoria Police, Sen-Sgt Mario Benedetti says he was subjected to a "sustained and systematic campaign to subject me to detriment on the basis of race, impairment, industrial activity and employment activity". Benedetti claimed that Superintendent Brett Guerin referred to him as "f****** wog" during a meeting in July last year, the Herald Sun reports. He was also told that he was "less able to perform my duties because Italians are more likely to be passionate". However, Victoria Police, Supt Guerin, Supt Tony De Ridder, Supt Richard Grant and Insp Nigel Howard have denied the claims. Benedetti is expected to produce a complaint made by another officer in support of his claims. A Victoria Police spokeswoman, however, rejected Benedetti's complaint. "Victoria Police denies all allegations made by the applicant. The matter is being mediated before VCAT. As the mediation process is ongoing and confidential, Victoria Police is unable to comment any further in respect to the allegations made by the applicant," she said. "Victoria Police intends to defend itself against these allegations."