Multiculturalism

Sunday 22 October 2006
Greens NSW state council calls for bipartisan approach on multiculturalism

The Greens state council meeting in Kiama this weekend has called on the major parties to commit to bipartisan support for multiculturalism, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said today.

"Cultural diversity will be a key election issue. The police report on the Cronulla riots highlights the need to rebuild harmony between the communities of NSW. This will not happen without the active commitment of the state's political leaders," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Greens will campaign in the lead up to the next state election for increased support for ethnic communities marginalised by the policies of the major parties.

"The Greens council called on Premier Morris Iemma and Opposition Leader Peter Debnam to end the use of ethnic profiling.

"There is no evidence that the term 'of middle eastern appearance' helps solve crimes. The term is not used in other states and should not be used in NSW.

"It is time that political leaders stopped scapegoating some ethnic communities in matters of community justice.

"Mr Debnam has disgraced himself and the Liberal Party with his frequent references to '200 Middle Eastern thugs'.

"When Mr Debnam uses such insulting language he is effectively encouraging racist behaviour.

"The conference also called on the major parties to support multiculturalism by expanding SBS television and radio services and increasing the number of English as a Second Language teachers.

"ESL classes need to be available to all students from non-English speaking backgrounds so that language barriers do not damage their education," Ms Rhiannon said.