Indian Truck Drivers in Australia Face Death Threats Via CB Radio

The threats, such as "A good Indian is a dead Indian," are broadcast on highway CB channels, a medium once used for camaraderie among drivers. Many of the targeted drivers are now Australian citizens, recruited to fill severe shortages in the country's long-haul trucking industry.

The abuse has intensified in recent months, according to drivers who spoke to local media. Some report being followed, cut off in traffic, and subjected to racial slurs at rest stops, in addition to the radio harassment.

Industry groups have called for stronger action, including better reporting mechanisms and harsher penalties for hate incidents. Trucking companies say they are working with police to identify offenders, though tracing CB radio broadcasts remains difficult.

The situation highlights a broader tension in Australia, where immigration has helped sustain essential sectors, yet visible minorities still face discrimination on the job. Drivers say the threats have made them fearful, with some altering routes or avoiding certain highways altogether.

Advocates urge the government to treat the threats as a serious workplace safety issue, not just isolated incidents of rudeness. They argue that without systemic change, the reliance on migrant labor will continue to expose workers to such hostility.