Dear Mr/s Yang Hsu-Tung

Thank you for your letter of 30 April 1997 to the Prime Minister. I am responding on behalf of the Prime Minister.

As you would be aware, late last year the Commonwealth Parliament passed a resolution which denounces racial intolerance in any form and express our national aspiration for maintaining an open and tolerant society. The resolution makes a statement to the Australian people and to all other nations that we are a tolerant society, composed of people drawn from all parts of the world but united behind a common commitment to the values, beliefs and institutions of the Australian community.

The Prime Minister believes that the right to free speech is a cardinal principle of Australian society. Australians welcome the opportunity to speak openly on issues. He has also emphasized that freedom of speech carries with it a responsibility to exercise that freedom tolerantly and moderately and to avoid using insensitive or intolerant language.

The views and comments of Ms Pauline Hanson have generated a great deal of public discussion. Whilst recognising the right of the Member for Oxley to free speech, the Prime Minister has been critical of the Member for getting facts wrong and using insensitive language. The Member for Oxley has also been criticised for her failure to advocate any real solutions to the challenges of boosting jobs growth, revitalising our regions, strengthening our families, helping small businesses or reducing our national debt.

It is important for the future of a strong, cohesive and united Australia that debateon national issues is conducted on a factual basis, in an atmosphere of goodwill and with a commitment from all involved to building a better and more secure future for all Australians.

On the issues of immigration and indigenous affairs, the Government maintains an unambiguous position. It remains committed to an immigration policy wholly non-discriminatory on grounds of race, colour or origin. It is also committed to addressing indigenous disadvantage with practical programmers in the areas of health, education, housing and employment. The Government believes these are important steps toward building a strong, cohesive and tolerant society.

Discrimination on the basis of a person's racial or ethnic origin is offensive to all decent Australians. Every Australian, regardless of colour, race or creed, is entitled to walk our streets, ride our buses and trains, play sport on our field and pursue their work with confidence .

Thank you for bringing your views on this issue to the attention of the Prime Minister.