Hostel 'turned away' Aborigines

By Phil Mercer
BBC News, Sydney

Bethany Langdon says she and her colleagues were refused entry

A backpacker hostel in Australia could face legal action after it allegedly turned away some Aborigines because of their skin colour.

Members of the group have insisted they were told to leave because they were scaring other foreign guests.

Managers at the hostel in Alice Springs have denied allegations of racism.

Aborigines make up about 2% of Australia's population. They suffer very high rates of ill-health, unemployment and imprisonment.

Last month the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a landmark apology to indigenous Australians for the abuse and discrimination they have endured since European colonisation.

Unsuitable?

The group of Aboriginal women and children had travelled to Alice Springs from the desert community of Yuendumu.

They had arrived to take part in a lifesaving course ahead of the opening of a new swimming pool back in their remote settlement.

Within half an hour of checking into the Haven Backpackers resort, they alleged they were thrown out because they were black, following complaints from Asian tourists.

"I merely asked the manager why couldn't we stay - they said that it was because of the colour of our skin and they didn't like it," said one of the women, Bethany Langton.

The Northern Territory anti-discrimination commissioner said the group might have a strong case to take legal action.

The hostel's website describes the resort as "stylish and super clean", where guests are afforded "the most friendly welcome possible".

The management has denied allegations of racism. In a statement it said the hostel caters for "international backpacking tourists" and was not suitable for the group of Aboriginal lifesavers.

It went on to say that managers made every effort to arrange alternative accommodation.