The recent negative attention on the Sudanese community in Melbourne and Australia is disappointing, Greens MP Adam Bandt said today.

"Of course, the conflict and violence that has reportedly occurred is not justified and needs to be addressed, but violence and abuse of alcohol is sadly a fact of life right across Australia and a problem amongst all young people, not just one group," Mr Bandt said.

"In fact, the Victoria Police have said they do not view this recent conflict as racially motivated."

"Despite this reality, it seems some have blown the recent conflict out of proportion and pointed the finger at the whole Sudanese and even the broader African communities. This is not acceptable."

"In my experience, no-one is working harder to address the problems faced by recently arrived migrants and their families than the various African Australian communities themselves."

"Such problems include experiences of racism and discrimination, access to employment, training and education, support for small business and adequate community services."

"The communities are working hard to address these problems, but they won't be solved unless all levels of government make them a priority."

"On the other hand, there are many successes and positive achievements in the community to celebrate as well, something we don't hear enough about."

"I recently had the opportunity to work with many local people on the referendum for Independence in South Sudan. Their commitment and hard work highlights the manner in which the Sudanese community is striving to bring into being the positive values of democracy and peaceful co-existence."

"The wider Australian community should not give in to knee-jerk shock and horror stories about Sudanese Australians and the wider African communities. It doesn't match reality and it does us all a real disservice."