The NSW Department of Education is being sued in the state's Civil and Administrative Appeal Tribunal by a man and his adult son who claim they were racially vilified while working at a local school.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Robert Riley and his son Nathan allege that a joke about the incarceration of Indigenous children was made during a staff meeting, while Nathan was discussing the attendance of Indigenous students at a careers event held at a police station.
The men allege several staff laughed after the joke was made and after Robert complained, he claims the school ended its relationship with him and his son.
Relevant departmental procedures were not followed and Nathan was excessively reprimanded, the pair allege.
Failed subsequent attempts to resolve the dispute prompted the Riley's to launch tribunal proceedings.
"We are just standing up for our rights," Robert Riley said.
"Aboriginal people have a right not to be vilified or discriminated against under the law."
The Daily Liberal asked the Department of Education to confirm what Nathan and Robert were engaged to do at the school, why their services were no longer required and what actions were taken to investigate the initial complaint and allegations it contained.
"As the Department is a party to the matter before the tribunal it would be inappropriate to make any comment," a spokesperson for the Department said.
The hearing continues in Sydney on Friday.
Lawyers from the National Justice Project are representing the Riley's.
"We combine legal action with effective advocacy to advance human rights and social justice in Australia," the organisation said.
