Australia Post has issued an apology after a sign deemed “unacceptable” was displayed at a post office in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall. The poorly phrased notice, meant to convey the message that the post office could not take photos for Indian passports due to lighting and background quality issues, read: “We unfortunately CAN NOT take INDIAN photos”. The incident occurred at a store in Adelaide, raising concerns about cultural sensitivity and communication standards.
A sign posted on a social media page by Australia Post has sparked outrage and disappointment among viewers due to its insensitive wording. The post, which featured a poorly phrased message indicating the inability to take photos for Indian passports, garnered hundreds of comments expressing discontent.
An Australia Post spokesperson promptly issued an unreserved apology, acknowledging the offence caused by what they described as an “unauthorised sign”. The company took immediate action upon becoming aware of the situation, swiftly removing the sign and initiating a conversation with the involved team member.
In an official statement, the spokesperson stated that Australia Post is thoroughly investigating the matter. They assured that appropriate action would be taken in response to the incident, which occurred on a Wednesday afternoon and saw the sign removed by Thursday morning, as reported by the ABC.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland expressed deep concern in a letter addressed to Australia Post’s CEO, Paul Graham, regarding the offensive sign displayed at a post office in Adelaide. The sign, which caused significant offence, particularly on social media platforms, led Minister Rowland to emphasise the importance of preventing discrimination based on skin colour or nationality.
In her Twitter-posted letter, Minister Rowland urged Mr. Graham to outline the measures Australia Post intends to take to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Speculation arose on social media, suggesting differences between India’s passport photo requirements and Australia Post’s services might have led to the sign’s creation.
Responding to the concerns, an Australia Post spokesperson clarified that the wording of the sign was inexcusable, yet mentioned that the Indian Consulate had rejected several passport photos from the affected Post Office.
Australia Post has proactively engaged with the High Commission of India to understand the issue and resolve it urgently, aiming to rectify the situation and ensure such lapses in judgement do not reoccur within the organisation.
