WA: Govt racist on boatpeople says Labor MP

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2001
WA: Govt racist on boatpeople says Labor MP

Federal Labor MP COLIN HOLLIS says both sides of politics are grandstanding on the
issue of the stranded boat people and the government's response is racist.

Mr HOLLIS, deputy chair of parliament's Human Rights Committee, has accused both sides
of exploiting the plight of the boat people for political gain.

He's told Perth radio 6PR that if the people aboard were European they'd be let quickly
onto Christmas Island.

He says it's inevitable the ship will be let into Australia eventually.

The government is refusing entry to the 438 boat people who were rescued and taken
aboard the freighter Tampa.

Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has supported the government's stance.

AAP RTV alm/sd/jas/rp

KEYWORD: BOAT HOLLIS (PERTH)

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