What we're talking about

hardeep singh on The Taxi Industry hi, iwant to get atexi plate on rent or lease in brisbane can you let me know about this. thanks more
tee on Halal certification I found a leggos sauce, straight in the bin it goes. Master foods don't seem to have the symbol and nestle. I know it's not ... more
lol on A few facts on illegal boat people lol minecarft more
Luana on Learning from one another? Lucy and Linus (who where brother and sietsr) had another little brother named Rerun. (He sometimes played left-field on ... more
Gabby on Learning from one another? Would be good to get some background from Fjordman on this. As we may be mnissig some cultural or political nuance or ... more
Sukhjinder singh on The Taxi Industry Hi I'm sukh.... I have 2yrs experience as a cab driver. I want cab on set pay or lease. I'm sure u help me n I'm sure u ... more
Kim on Crime Mapping Gavin's suggestions about how to treat the incarcerated would probably breach human rights. Addicts should be treated, and ... more
susan on Halal certification bye dick smiths products he is not certified go onto halalchoices.com.au and see the list of companys that are there you ... more
susan on Halal certification we must boycott halal certified products 2% of everything we bye with the mark goes to terrorists and there religon these ... more
Jennifer on Halal certification Goodgrief Timtam ... I can't believe you think that Islamic guidelines are healthier in terms of hygiene than our Australian ... more
Jennifer on Halal certification This is Australia not Islam. We built this country with hard labour and not for immigrants to come in and take over. ... more
phil.k. on Halal certification lets get politicans to ban this practice as they have in NZ.It is slowly deviding aussie in to religious groups,next ... more
geegee on Learning from one another? I don't want my grand kids brainwashed.I am also totally sick of political correctness.If you don't like it leave it. more
Durkim on New Zealand Gangs Mm, yeah... Real funny, Randhil... more
Kayli on The Boats God help me, I put aside a whole afteroonn to figure this out. more
Raynes on Tax and Pollution Until I found this I thoguht I'd have to spend the day inside. more
James Brown on Mark Latham Mark, you must fell as if you are pushing it uphill, but you are the hope of the side. Keep it up! more
Michael on Halal certification The Halal Choices website is http://www.halalchoices.com.au/product_lists.htmlIt lists all the products that have been ... more
a barker on A few facts on illegal boat people We are the Lucky Country, or are we?.15 years ago maybe.How many Indonesian Officials are taking a a bribe from the people ... more
Robin on The Boats Hey,Thanks! Great post you have written on "The Boats ".Really I can say that your post is very informative, I'll come ... more

Simple really isn't it?

Posted by: Michael Smith | 16 January, 2009 - 11:53 AM

It seems this country's media finds it difficult to talk sensibly about certain topics. I’ve been branded a racist – in writing – by a major national television network who should know better. How could anyone say that my comments were racist?

I have been amazed at some of the reporting across the country about my comments that people shouldn’t have their faces covered up in banks or shopping centres. Simple really isn’t it?

My comments have made the front pages of newspapers around the country.

Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper ran this editorial on its front page today:

IF you walk into a bank wearing something covering your face, you can expect to start a panic.

Banks have signs on their doors requiring people to remove motorcycle helmets. But a call by a Brisbane radio announcer yesterday to ban the hijab has caused an overreaction to what is a commonsense issue.

The call was taken up by a Queensland retail association and this prompted the the national Australian Retailers Association to say any attempt to ban the hijab, or any cultural clothing, was misguided.

There can be no complaint about any woman wearing a hijab where the face is not obscured, but a full-face hijab is a serious security matter.

I think that newspaper got it right. The issue is simply about covering up the face. There are places where it’s simply not on like this - link here

Blog comments

The idea that a person conducting legal and legitimate business must at all times display their identity is fascistic at its core. It is also utterly unnecessary. Person's intending to commit serious crimes don't care about such rules.

Dan Rowden Wednesday 21 January, 2009 - 10:01 AM
Just try walking into a bank wearing a hood over your head! Is this any different from wearing the hijab? It is a simple matter of security you numbskulls. For that matter would you allow anyone who has their heads covered enter your homes???

Jim Tuesday 20 January, 2009 - 7:49 AM
I would like to address pru's comment of 8.28pm Friday 16/01/09.

You say, addressing Smithy - "It's people like you that hold Australia back from being a truly great nation."

No, pru, Australia IS a truly great Nation. That is why we love her and are loyal to her. Our diggers, black, white & brindle, fought to keep Australia a truly great Nation.

It is apologists such as yourself who are doing her and her people a grave injustice.

I think you proved our point when you stated that Smithys comments would not be tolerated in many countries.

Is that because basic individual freedom of speech has been removed???

So you see by having an open and honest discussion on matters that concern each and every citizen of Australia, such as the security of our people, shows just what a truly great Nation we live in and must hold dear.

We've got the discussion now all we need to hear from the rest of the media is dinky-di honesty. I won't hold my breath whilst waiting for any journalist to lay the truth out for all to see. Just shoot the messenger and sweep it under the proverbial.

Dee Monday 19 January, 2009 - 2:02 PM
There are several debates all being wrapped into one. This is not a debate about our immigration or assimilation policy, it is a matter of security and one group being given privaliges over another. The matter is simple, when we enter premises of another, we must abide by their entry rules, like going to the Cricket or Tennis or even a car park for that. If we do not like the rules, we do not go or if we try, we expect to be denied entry if we are nbot willing at accept the rules of entry. Religion has nothing to do with the real issue. This is not about race, nationality, belief or colour but about why some are being exempted from rules all others are required to agree to as a condition of entry. It is not equal and fair that some are being exmepted from rules of entry that others have to comply with. Most especially, when no exemption to these rules are posted.

Mel Monday 19 January, 2009 - 1:32 PM
Because they were. Simple isn't it

Tee Sunday 18 January, 2009 - 12:31 PM
You keep saying what you said wasn't racist. But it was. You keep trying to back pedal, but your message was clear. Your mask slipped and we all heard and saw you for what you are. A racist!!!!!

tracey Saturday 17 January, 2009 - 7:52 PM