Page 3701 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 17 October 1990
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MR COLLAERY: Mr Speaker, I see that at least in one case I am not gaining the confidence of the Opposition with my remarks. Certainly it is important, so far as our country is concerned, that we deal sensitively with this debate today. It could well be reported widely, and the image of the Assembly itself is probably at test in this debate.
I take the point, on advice, that the fifth part of the proposal of the Leader of the Opposition concerning the setting up of a training scheme could be perceived by the Federal Government as presumptuous. Certainly it is possible that it could create foreign relations issues - I am not saying "problems", but issues - and these should be dealt with first before we as a junior parliament in the Federation move in that area. I support the amendment to delete that part and, as Dr Kinloch has indicated, I do not in any way deny the notion that is inherent in it; but the notion certainly should not simply favour young black Africans. It is important that across all of our trade training schemes we have regard to the situation of the Malays in Malaysia and to other indigenous groups also within our sphere of influence. It is simply not a very refined proposal and I doubt that you would see any party moving it with that terminology in the way it is put by the Leader of the Opposition.
Mrs Grassby: The great civil rights worker! What a fake!
MR COLLAERY: I see that the Opposition is determined, Mr Speaker, to score some grotty points out of this issue. I thank Mr Connolly for acknowledging at least my commitment, and I am sure there is an unstated or stated commitment around this floor in regard to apartheid.
Certainly I have been engaged in that struggle, and I would like to see recognised - and I am sure Mr Moore knows this - another very quiet group; that is, a group of white South African army deserters and defectors who have consistently suffered for many, many years great separation from family and friends. There is a significant group of them in Australia at the moment. There has been a very effective pipeline over many years in assisting those people to get to Australia, and I am proud to say that that pipeline in fact existed and was centred in the Australian Capital Territory. I believe that we have great credibility in and among the knowledgeable groups.
The proposed change to the motion to take out the words to which I referred - that is, "is regarded by South African blacks as the symbol of their struggle for freedom" - simply reflects the fact that, in the circles in which I move, and some of those apply to members of the Opposition, account is taken of Chief Buthelezi and others who have some contrary views. I do not wish to enter into those issues, but there are leading whites in the struggle and I feel we should be gracious enough to acknowledge the contributions of all South Africans involved.
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