← Kartar.Net

• Monday September 18th, 2006

Shucks who knew politicians from both parties missed the White Australia Policy*? First Bomber Beazley’s comments suggesting visitors to Australia sign an ‘oath’ to abide by Australian values (oh yes - that’ll stop terrorism - “Damn can’t attack Australia now - they’ve made me sign this ‘oath’ saying I’ll be everyone’s mate. Crikey…”). Now shining light for tolerance Andrew Robb wants to change immigration laws to extend the time required to convert permenant residency to citizenship and administer a language test before conferring citizenship. A slippery slope perhaps? Are we heading back to the dark days of the White Australia Policy and eroding the good works of the Whitlam and Fraser governments in reforming Australia’s previously shameful immigration policy? As Barton did in 1901 at the start of the White Australia Policy, the current government acknowledges that this change in immigration laws is an act of appeasement rather than likely to have any substantial impact on the quality of our citizens. * Linked for the benefit of my American friends.