Shoppers in Adelaide’s City Cross were left shocked after an Australia Post store posted a sign informing customers they cannot take “Indian” photos.
The sign read:
“Due to our lighting and quality of photo background, we unfortunately CAN NOT take INDIAN photos!”
It further read:
“The nearest photo place is Camera House on 120 Grenfell Street. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
The sign was shared on social media by shocked customers and many users commented angrily. However, some social media users were quick to point out that it is just a “poorly worded sign” as Indian passport regulations have different standards to gain official approval.
A man said:
“Indian passports require a 51x51mm size which is different to cut/print to Aussie passport shots. They also prefer off white background colour too instead of pure white like Aus. It’s quite picky and can be annoying for an employee not set up to do it properly and regularly.”
In a statement, an Australia Post spokesperson said that they were disappointed in the way the sign was worded:
“It’s especially disappointing given Australia Post prides itself on its commitment to inclusion and diversity both across our workforce and within our communities. We are fully investigating the issue and will take appropriate action.”
Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications, in a strongly worded letter to the CEO of Australia Post said that she was “deeply disturbed at the material displayed in the post Office.”
The Australia Post statement read: “Australia Post apologises unreservedly to the community for any offence caused by an unauthorised sign recently displayed at Rundle Mall Post Office. As soon as we were made aware, we immediately removed the sign and have spoken with the team member concerned. While the wording of this sign is inexcusable, we understand the Indian Consulate had rejected a number of customers’ passport photos provided by this Post Office. We have reached out the High Commission of India to understand the issue with the photographs, so we can rectify this urgently. Although no offence was intended, this lapse in judgment falls well below the standard we expect from Australia Post team members.”
