Major parties must rule out preference deal

Major parties must rule out preference deal with Fred Nile over immigration

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on Premier Iemma and Opposition Leader Debnam to publicly reject Rev Fred Nile's call for a moratorium on Islamic immigration and to cancel any preference arrangements Labor or Liberal have made with the Christian Democrat Party.

"Premier Iemma and Mr Debnam have a responsibility to stop Rev Nile's policy gaining support and they should state publicly that there will be no deals with Rev Nile on preferences or when parliament resumes," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Rev Nile's statement makes NSW look ugly and racist. All public figures should distance themselves from such an unacceptable policy.

"Rev Nile is on a fast-track to becoming the Pauline Hanson of NSW politics.

"These statements do enormous damage to Australia not just NSW. Such divisive and intolerant attitudes will be widely reported. NSW political leaders should condemn Rev Nile's statements.

"Politicians across the board should have a common commitment to foster tolerance and respect, regardless of our political differences.

"But Rev Nile puts divisive politics first.

"I believe the majority of people would abhor Rev Nile's plan. But Rev Nile knows that some voters are uncertain about the future and this sometimes means they are uncertain about people of different cultures.

"Rev Nile is exploiting these differences in a crude attempt to grab votes. This is dirty politics," Ms Rhiannon said.