Australia - PM Turnbull Comments On South African Persecution Of White Farmers

Two weeks ago, the Australian home affairs Minister Mr Peter Dutton offered to fast-track Australian Visas due to the "in-country persecution" of white South African farmers.

At the time, Mr Dutton stated that: “They're the sorts of migrants that we want to bring into our country. I've asked my department to look at options and ways in which we can provide some assistance because I do think on the information I've seen people do need help, and they need help from a civilized country like ours."

Related coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/20649-Australia-Fast-Tracks-Visas-For-Targeted-White-South-African-Farmers-Video

The South African government reacted harshly to the Australian offer and stated once again that there was no persecution of white farmers in their country and that these events were ‘highly exaggerated’.

According to Australian media, one white farmer per week is murdered in South Africa and some 400 were attacked in the whole of 2017.

Related coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/19974-South-Africa-s-Malema-Go-After-the-White-Man-We-Are-Cutting-The-Throat-or-Whiteness

Then yesterday, the South African government claimed the offer for fast-tracking of visas made by Mr Dutton two weeks ago would be retracted as Australia had seen it’s error and had stated such via its foreign minister Ms Julie Bishop, something the latter stated was false.

By this morning, Australian Prime Minister Turnbull has also gotten involved in the diplomatic row between the two countries, and commented on Australia’s offer to white farmers.

Related coverage: https://thegoldwater.com/news/19606-South-Africa-Parliament-Votes-To-Confiscate-Land-From-White-Farmers

In a discussion on ABC radio, Mr Turnbull said: "It is non-discriminatory and it is a very generous program, people in South African who feel that they have been persecuted are certainly able to apply, there is no question about that."

He also repeated that he would ask for explanations from the South African government on the claimed persecution of white farmers.

PM Turnbull: "We obviously raise those concerns with the South African Government.”

"Their contention is that they are maintaining law and order in South Africa, but clearly we raise concerns on a consular basis as we do in many parts of the world."

Source:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-03/peter-dutton-escalates-row-with-south-africa/9615496