[Greens-Media] Sen. KERRY NETTLE: Only logic to citizenship changes is fear campaign

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

15.09.06

Only logic to citizenship changes is fear campaign 


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said today that changes to citizenship rules
the Prime Minister talked about on commercial radio this morning were
illogical unless understood as part of a political fear campaign on
behalf of the government.

"The Prime Minister continues to deliberately omit any meaningful
explanation as to why our citizenship rules need changing, or give any
evidence that there is a problem with the settlement of new migrants,"
Senator Nettle said.

"If there is compelling evidence of a change in the behaviour of new
migrants or citizens lets see it. Otherwise the Prime Minister should
shut up and stop scaring people for cynical political advantage.

"Mr Howard says "most people who come to this country are fair dinkum
about becoming part of the community" because his message is that some
people are not fair dinkum - that's a fear campaign.

"The Immigration department has spent millions on advertising
encouraging permanent residents to become citizens and now the Prime
Minister is saying they will have to wait longer - it makes no sense.

"The Greens reject John Howard's condemnation of "zealous
multiculturalism" and instead urge all political leaders to support the
multicultural values of diversity and respect."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146