AUSTRALIA: Police ignore hate crimes

GAY-HATE crimes are on the rise in Sydney, with activists warning violence may spiral out of control in the lead-up to the 30th year of Mardi Gras.

The AIDS Council Of NSW said it had received 22 reports of homophobic violence in the past six weeks alone, compared with 30 over the previous five months.

"If you look at the rate, it's basically doubled since about November," Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project co-ordinator Carl Harris said.

It can be revealed the council will lodge a formal complaint with the NSW Ombudsman against Surry Hills police for allegedly failing to protect the gay community.

The move is a response to the brutal and unsolved bashing of Redfern couple Craig and Shane on Crown St, Surry Hills, on December 3.

"We felt like we were doing the investigation and they were giving us excuses," Craig said.

"Police at Surry Hills do not encourage people to report homophobic violence as a hate crime and they sometimes fail to properly record such incidents as hate crime.

The bashing incident prompted Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to write to NSW Police Minister David Campbell for the second time in a month demanding police take more action.

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Sydney's gay community under attack

Police Minister David Campbell has hit the club-scene on Sydney's Oxford street amid reports of a flare up in homophobic attacks.

Police believe up to nine separate attacks have taken place on the gay community this year up from just two in 2006.

Mr Campbell says while he's taking the issue seriously what he's seen first hand isn't too concerning.

“What I saw was some very colorful people and a lot of people out enjoying themselves.”

“I didn’t observe any bashings but I do make the call that where people are the victims of a crime whether it’s a so called gay bashing, whether it’s a robbery. Come forward and give that information to police.”

Air New Zealand: Pink Flight for Australian Mardi Gras

Air New Zealand is delving into the gay and lesbian market with a special themed flight that will feature drag queens, pink cocktails and a cabaret performed by the flight crew.

The destination for the airline's one-time "Pink Flight," scheduled to depart San Francisco International Airport on Feb. 26, is the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia, one of the world's most well-attended gay events, said Jodi Williams, an Air New Zealand marketing director.

"We are looking at tailoring the inseat entertainment and having gay-friendly movies and contests and different music and things like that," Williams said. The airline also plans to throw a "Get-Onboard-Girlfriend" going away party for its passengers, who will pay an average of $1,000 roundtrip.

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