AWU Victoria calls out aggressive treatment of member, who was attacked by Victoria Police

Tuesday, 8th September 2020

The Australian Workers' Union Victoria are standing alongside their member Korey Penny in

calling for an official investigation into an attack on Mr Penny by Victoria Police officers early

Thursday morning, September 3rd. Mr Penny was attacked, wrongfully arrested and strip

searched in front of passers by on his way to work. Tackled from his bicycle and with serious

injuries to his arm he was taken away by ambulance.

Korey Penny is a Noongar man from WA and is contracted to work on the Melbourne Metro

Tunnel project. He is one of only six Australians that can operate the TBM (Tunnel Boring

Machine). Mr Penny is the first Indigenous Australian to operate this machine. The AWU is

assisting Korey and has a legal representative supporting him throughout this ordeal.

Quote attributable to Ben Davis - Victorian Branch Secretary

"The treatment meted out to Korey was appalling and yet far too common. His only crime was to be riding a pushbike to work. Would he have been treated the same way if he had been white and wearing a suit and tie? Obviously not. This has to stop."

Media Contact: Sasha Dougherty (0438 498 305)