Rev Fred Nile lifted the debate in the two weeks prior to the election with a call for a moratorium on Muslim immigration for ten years so we could avoid the social clashes now experienced in France, UK and other European countries, and for a positive discrimination toward Christians who have suffered from Muslim persecution.
His call has the support in various polls of at least half the population. It is not part of the considered CDP immigration policy.
This is actually a Federal issue and parties like the Australians Against Further Immigration will have no opportunity in State Parliament to alter Commonwealth laws.
An immigration moratorium against Muslims is an attractive idea to many people. It is a simple answer to a complex issue, and like so many simple answers it entails other issues that many of us would not accept.
Minorities can create huge problems with existing populations. Consider the Tamil growth in Sri Lanka, the Chinese domination in Singapore, the Indian clashes in Fiji and the political coups of the indigenous Fijians. Northern Ireland grew from British immigrants, and Israelis immigrated into Palestine. Every one of these cases brings strong reaction from others both inside and outside the country of conflict.
Restricting entry of a group of people that may be seen as threatening (of our security, our jobs, our healthcare, even our supply of water!) is the first thought of many people. When the Chinese started arriving in Australia to work through the tailings of our gold mines in the 1850’s riots ensued and after many conflicts, Australians closed ranks behind the White Australia policy of restricted immigration.
Today Asian immigrants and their children have totally integrated into our society and what hospital could continue without them?
In the 1950’s the Italians were the first migrants to arrive after World War 2, and many thought priority should be given to English immigrants. After all, they were our allies, whereas the Italians were fighting our forces and killing Australian servicemen.
In the 1950’s aggression against European immigrants was a major social issue. Soccer, with nationalistic teams, became almost a blood sport as old antagonisms were fought on the playing fields and grandstands.
Yet these immigrants changed Australia for the better, and were the heroes of the Snowy Mountain scheme and our new industries. Their children are now the leading politicians in every state, found among all professions as lawyers, doctors, academics, clergy and researchers.
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Restrict Muslim Immigration?
Rev Fred Nile lifted the debate in the two weeks prior to the election with a call for a moratorium on Muslim immigration for ten years so we could avoid the social clashes now experienced in France, UK and other European countries, and for a positive discrimination toward Christians who have suffered from Muslim persecution.
By: Rev The Hon. Gordon Moyes, A.C., M.L.C.
Posted: Monday, 7 May 2007, 15:54 (EST)
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