A British backpacker working in Australia claims racism is a huge problem across the country.
Archie Hawkins traveled around the country for almost a year, but was shocked by the racism towards the indigenous population.
“Racism in Australia is a huge problem,” he said in a video posted to social media last week.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat this, but when you come to Australia you hear a lot of bad things about the indigenous people.”
Mr Hawkins said these racist views were completely erased when he started working with Aboriginal people
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with a few of them lately, and honestly, they are some of the nicest and most sharing people I’ve ever met in my life,” he said.
‘Every time you see them they are so positive, so happy. They are just very nice people to be around.
‘So don’t judge people based on other people’s opinions of them. You’re bound to hear a lot of racism when you come to Australia. I don’t think it’s talked about enough.”
British backpacker Archie Hawkins (pictured) said Australia has a major problem with racism
Many agreed with the young man’s opinion.
‘It’s their land, their home for hundreds of years before us! Great people! They are a national treasure for Australia.”
Another added: “I completely agree. I was shocked by the level of racism in Oz. Very sad.’
A third said: ‘It’s so sad as someone who loves to travel. Australia is a place I’ve always wanted to go, especially because I have family there, but the stories you hear about racism put me off.’