[Greens-Media] Riots should be Labor*s wake up call

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE - 1 March 2005

Riots should be Labor's wake up call

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has said the Macquarie Fields riots should be a
wake up call to the Carr labor government on the needs of young people
of this area. 

"Stealing cars is a crime. But the perpetrators don't deserve to
die. The riots are a symptom of too much law and order and not enough
social investment in public housing estates," Ms Rhiannon said.
 
"It is time that the Premier provided the employment and social
opportunities for the young people in disadvantaged areas rather than
only noticing these suburbs when the riots start. 

"Bob Carr is Premier of a deeply divided society. Macquarie Fields is
a suburb with few opportunities in terms of work and leisure for its
young people. 
 
"While our society holds out the promise of the good life, for many
it is only a dream that increasingly becomes a bitter nightmare of
poverty  and hopelessness.  

"The ritzy glamour that the Premier wraps himself in these days
reinforces for many what they will never have.  

"Last Sunday the Premier waved the starting flag for the ultimate
drag race across Sydney Harbour Bridge, advertising Melbourne's Grand
Prix. 

"The message from the Premier is that when speed goes with wealth
it's OK but when its young people, who do not have permission to
break the law, they should expect a visit from the police," Ms
Rhiannon added.

More information:  Alison Orme   0408 976 707