Far right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders, speaking at the Australian Liberty Alliance (ALA) conference in Perth, called for Australia to abandon its multiculturalism policy.
Failure to do so, he said, would see Australia risk losing its sovereignty. The ALA has launched new policies that recommend Australia close its borders to prevent immigrants, predominantly Muslim, from entering Australia, and Mr Wilders, left, made it clear that Australia should oppose Islam.
“You should be a sovereign country that closes your borders to those kinds of immigrants,” he said. “People are equal, cultures are not.” Members of the Socialist Alliance protested against Wilders’ visit, and chanted loudly as Wilders delivered his speech.
Police confirm murder victims are mother and daughter
Police have confirmed that remains of an infant found earlier this year on the South Australian highway have been identified as Khandalyce Pearce, daughter of Karlie Jade Pearce-Stevenson. Her mother’s skeletal remains were found in the Belanglo State Forest in 2010. DNA analysis proved the pair were mother and child. Detective Superintendent Des Bray of the South Australian Police has revealed that both deaths were the result of criminal violence, saying “This is one of the most shocking crimes imaginable; one that has not only devastated a family, but also had a terrible impact on the wider community.” Police said no suspects had been identified as this stage, and are calling anyone with information about the string of murders to come forward and contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
School abuse victims come forward
Former students at a Melbourne private school have come forward to report historical cases of assault. The principal of Scotch College, Tom Batty, said 69 students had come forward so far, and he expects more to follow suit. Many complaints related to incidents of corporal punishment, but some included allegations of sexual assault. Mr Batty has since apologised to former students, and revealed that five legal claims had already been settled in court.
One in four women experience domestic violence
A national study of interpersonal family violence has found that one in four women have experienced domestic violence from a partner. The research was conducted by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, and received submissions from more than 17,000 respondents.The study also found that gender was the most important variable in relation to domestic violence, with only one in 20 men experiencing violence from a female partner.The report was launched today by Pru Goward, the NSW minister for prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Warren Entsch call for early vote on same-sex marriage angers Abetz
Federal Senator Eric Abetz has described Warren Entsch’s push to fast-track moves to legalise same-sex marriage as “unhelpful”. Mr Abetz, who opposes gay marriage, told ABC Radio said “It seems a bit of a thought bubble and an ambush to boot.” He described the proposal as an attempt to overcome the overwhelming vote of the Coalition majority. The vote on legislation suggested by Mr Entsch is designed to amend the Marriage Act, under the stipulation that any changes would only come into force if there is a “yes” vote in a plebiscite. – Soheir Adas
Top photo from Roel Wijnants Flickr photostream.
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