Media Release
September 20, 2006
UniSA Expert Express…………………………………
On the Federal Government’s recent discussion paper proposing a new model for Australian citizenship
Dr Peter Gale, senior lecturer,
The Unaipon School:
Dr Gale has published widely on racism and the media. His most recent
book,
The Politics of Fear, was published in January 2005.
“This is more about popular nationalism and engendering political
support than any substantive change.
At the present time the political leadership is not being constructive
at all in providing a receptive host nation for immigrants. The proposed
policy changes point towards particular groups in society and treat them
unfairly in many ways. This is a significant contradiction of values
that are upheld as ‘Australian’ -- that is, a tolerant society where
everyone gets a fair go.
The paper has a strong focus on the connection between Islam and
terrorism. It’s often conflated to ‘us’ and ‘them’, along Christian and
Islamic lines. This can create a climate of fear, and has been known to
create violence in the community.
Many of the points in the paper are trying to be seen as having a
greater level of control to who comes into the country. In immigration,
there’s been a significant shift to Christian communities coming from
Africa through our humanitarian scheme, which I certainly support. But
this has meant that we are seeing less from all areas of the world,
including those from Islamic nations.
Delaying citizenship from two years to four years has implications on
what access migrants have to government services, such as university
education.”
Dr Gale says that if the government was serious about a more inclusive
society, improving English language programs and resources, rather than
restricting them, would be the way to go.
“We need to look at how we respond to migrants -- both in schools and in
the community. In 1980s and 90s we had a bipartisan agreement where both
parties supported multiculturalism. But presently political points are
being scored at the cost of minority groups.”
Dr Peter Gale: office (08) 8302 0564 email
peter.gale@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Rebecca Gill office (08) 8302 0096 mobile 0404 85 7977 email rebecca.gill@unisa.edu.au