‘Backpacker-free zone’ – racist poster causes anger in FNQ
Backpackers have expressed anger and confusion over a racist poster that declares the north Queensland town of Ayr a “backpacker-free-zone”.
An embarrassed local mayor quickly issued a statement condemning the poster.
‘Backpacker-free zone’ poster taped to shop window
An unknown person taped the poster to a local shop front window which states:
“Unless you are of Northern European descent, speak English and you are not a thot or degenerate, f*** off, because you are not welcome here.
“Ayr is a backpacker-free zone.”
(Note: “thot” is misogynistic slang, often linked to the word prostitute.)
Backpackers angry and confused
Dutch traveller Yuri Struycken spoke to News Limited and described the poster as “preposterous”.
Additionally, she said it makes her feel discriminated against.
“They are acting like we’re beasts who are just out to party and to destroy their society.
“If they don’t want backpackers in Ayr, so be it.
“Let them fall like one of the many mining/agricultural towns here in Australia.
“There are plenty of farmers, restaurateurs, business owners who are incredibly happy to have the help from backpackers.”
British backpacker Lyndsey Peel described the poster as “confusing”.
“It claims northern European persons are welcome but backpackers aren’t… so as I am both of those things, I would be curious to know if I am allowed there.
“In my country they wouldn’t get away with posting it as it’s discriminatory and marginalising a group… but it’s not clear which group it is!”
Meanwhile, French backpacker Adly Wayne told News Limited:
“I don’t really understand why someone would even take the time to do such a stupid poster.”
Mayor goes into damage control
The local Mayor Lyn McLaughlin went into immediate damage control, issuing a statement condemning the poster.
“I’m appalled. The person responsible should hang their head in shame,” she said.
“We wholeheartedly welcome backpackers to our region, not only for the crucial work they do in our horticultural industries, but for the cultural diversity they add to our community.”
Poster is pathetic
Miles Heffernan, Director of Litigation at Discrimination Claims, said the poster is pathetic.
“Clearly written by an intellectual giant, the poster is full of hate and racism, and borders on unlawful vilification,” he said.
“Vilification is when someone spreads hatred or contempt for a person, or group of people, in a public way, because of an attribute like their race.
“I suspect the person responsible has some personal issues they should really seek professional help for.”
Police say they are investigating the matter.
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