Petition Raise awareness of workplace rights in Victorian Sikh temples

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that many Sikh temples are breaching Australian law because management committee members, volunteers, priests, cooks and persons hired for other activities, are unaware of the Australian rules around the treatment of persons, personal safety, sexual harassment and pay rates. People are often illegally hired and underpaid.

Temple priests and committee members openly disrespect devotees and the community. Recent incidents include intervention orders and attempts to spoil careers or visa status for girls who have refused advances. Temples are verbally abusing devotees, financially abusing new students unaware of their workplace rights and pressuring girls due to their vulnerability. 

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to promote greater awareness of workplace rights for members of the Victorian Sikh temple community, including the right to fair pay and a safe work environment free from harassment.