NSW: Carr says he won't be silenced on ethnicity and crime

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2001
NSW: Carr says he won't be silenced on ethnicity and crime

New South Wales Premier BOB CARR says he won't be silenced in making connections between
ethnicity and crime, despite claims it will inhibit people from ethnic backgrounds from
assisting police.

Earlier today, NSW Unity MP PETER WONG said Chinese community members working closely
with police have helped break an alleged extortion racket in Sydney's west.

But Dr WONG says Mr CARR's recent focus on ethnicity has jeopardised future help from
communities who have worked with police to solve crime problems with little reward.

Dr WONG says fear among the Asian and Arabic communities has increased, as have racist
sentiments towards them.

But Mr CARR says people from various culturally diverse backgrounds are the victims
of crime too and he expects them to assist police like any other member of society.

AAP RTV ls/rp/jas/jn

KEYWORD: EXTORTION CHINESE (SYDNEY)

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