An Australia Post branch has ruffled a few feathers after a staff member created a poorly-worded sign that told shoppers the outlet could not take 'Indian' photos.
The sign, spotted in Adelaide, read: "Due to our lighting and quality of photo background, we unfortunately CAN NOT take INDIAN photos!"
The sign then directed people to an alternative location while apologising for the 'inconvenience'.
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"The nearest photo place is Camera House on 120 Grenfell Street. We apologise for the inconvenience," the sign added.
Snaps of the sign soon found their way to social media, where it kicked up a bit of a fuss and many labeled it 'racist'.
One social media user said: "Wow. Just wow."
Another added: "Clearly Australia Post isn't living in modern times. Shame their prices are."
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A third had an easy solution: "Oh my God, this is horrible. Get a ring light from Kmart."
Another just cracked a sarcastic joke: "At least they have a sign telling you that they can't instead of making you go through all the steps."
However, others were quick to point out that the sign was just poorly worded and without any ill intent.
One social media user said that the unwitting person who made the sign likely meant they can't take photographs for Indian government passports.
The user said: "I've taken passport/visa photos as a job. Indian government requirements are very different to other countries. Their picture is square 51mmx51mm for example. It's just a very poorly worded sign, please chill out."
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Australia Post has since released a statement in the wake of the incident.
"Australia Post apologises unreservedly to the community for any offence caused by an unauthorised sign recently displayed at Rundle Mall Post Office," they told News Corp.
"As soon as we were made aware, we immediately removed the sign and have spoken with the team member concerned."
Australia Post also confirmed that the sign was intended to mean that they cannot facilitate passport photos for Indian passports.
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"While the wording of this sign is inexcusable, we understand the Indian Consulate had rejected a number of customers’ passport photos provided by this Post Office. We have reached out to the High Commission of India to understand the issue with the photographs, so we can rectify this urgently," Australia Post said.
"Although no offence was intended, this lapse in judgement falls well below the standard we expect from Australia Post team members."
Rachel Lang