NSW: Australian culture not to blame for rapes = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2001
NSW: Australian culture not to blame for rapes = 2

Mr Wong today accused the premier of soliciting the One Nation vote by insisting ethnic-related
violence was behind much of the crime in Sydney's west and south-west.

Mr Carr's tactics could be compared to those of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, Mr
Wong told AAP.

"He's going down the same path of targeting the ethnic community as those more likely
to commit crime, and more likely not to contribute towards this country... not cooperating
with government, the police," said Dr Wong.

"Indicating his dislike and wariness of migrants...he doubted their loyalty (to Australia),"

he said.

Mr Carr said his concerns were based on material from an annual report by the NSW Crimes
Commission.

"I believe the police should be uninhibited in using data and collecting data which
makes it easier for them to make arrests and render the community safer."

"We should be un-embarrassed to use information, including ethnic origins, if it is
going to help police identify people and produce an arrest."

Mr Carr acknowledged there was a risk of stigmatising some groups.

"That said, we have to (be) careful that we don't group people and make young people
defensive of their backgrounds. They come from law-abiding families.

"We have to guard against this sort of stereotyping."

Mr Wong said the report that the premier had referred to in fact proved that the state
government had failed to deliver on law and order.

"As we know crime is a major problem in NSW and Australia and the Cabramatta inquiry
has highlighted that the government has failed in combating crime."

Mr Wong earlier criticised Mr Carr for ignoring the role the Chinese community played
in breaking an alleged extortion racket in Sydney's west.

Six men who claimed to be involved with a notorious Asian crime gang were due to reappear
in court today over charges relating to an extortion racket targeting small businesses
in western Sydney.

Dr Wong said Mr Carr's remarks had jeopardised future help from communities who had
worked with police to solve crime problems with little reward.

AAP ls/rp/jjs/ldj/de

KEYWORD: ETHNIC CARR 2 SYDNEY (REOPENS)

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