Sikh Student Takes Stand Against Religious Discrimination in Australia
A 19-year-old Sikh student at Monash University has filed a formal complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission against Ambulance Victoria, the state's primary ambulance service provider. The case emerged when Prabhjeet Gill, a paramedic student, was instructed to appear clean-shaven for his first day of on-the-job training, despite his religious beliefs requiring him to maintain facial hair.
The Conflict Over Religious Identity and Safety Protocols
Prabhjeet Gill had proactively contacted Ambulance Victoria before his training commenced, requesting permission to use the 'Singh Thattha' method - a specialized technique that allows Sikh individuals to wear medical masks securely while maintaining their beards. This method involves using an elastic band to cover the beard, creating a smooth surface for proper mask sealing, with the respirator then worn over the band.
"Just like the turban, the beard is part of our identity," Gill explained to ABC. "It's a belief that we shouldn't remove any hair from our body, we should leave it the way God created us."
Despite his advance communication, Gill expressed being "extremely disappointed and shocked" when the agency initially refused to accommodate his religious practice, especially since he believed Victoria Ambulance previously endorsed the Singh Thattha technique.
From Personal Struggle to Broader Advocacy
Following the initial controversy and subsequent media attention, Ambulance Victoria permitted Gill to use the Singh Thattha technique during his training. However, the experience prompted the young student to take formal action to prevent similar situations for others.
"Nobody should ever have to fight against a state government organisation to be able to wear their religious identity," Gill stated emphatically. "So I wish it was a win, but at the end of the day, it was just about getting our rights back."
While grateful that he can continue his studies and placement with Ambulance Victoria, Gill expressed uncertainty about his future employment prospects with the organization following the complaint.
Institutional Response and Policy Changes
In a significant development, Ambulance Victoria acknowledged the concerns in a letter dated November 24 to the Human Rights Commission. The organization revealed it had reconsidered its position regarding the Singh Thattha method and had begun collaborating with Monash Health to implement this mask-fitting technique for employees who request it.
The letter specifically stated: "Perhaps unbeknownst to Mr Gill, Ambulance Victoria has reconsidered its position regarding the 'Singh Thattha' method of mask fitting for PPE [personal protective equipment] and has recently engaged with Monash Health to assist with this method of mask fitting upon request by an AV employee."
This case highlights the ongoing challenges religious minorities face in workplace environments and demonstrates how individual advocacy can drive institutional change toward greater religious accommodation and diversity inclusion.
