O'Farrell attacks Gillard over 457s

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has accused the prime minister of playing the race card over 457 visas. Source: AAP

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has accused the prime minister of playing the race card over 457 visas, sparking a parliamentary row which led to the state's opposition leader being ejected from the house.

Julia Gillard used a mini-election campaign in western Sydney last week to raise the issue of employers misusing temporary foreign worker visas.

She announced a clampdown on the 457 program to address abuses and ensure Australians get first preference for jobs.

In question time on Wednesday, Mr O'Farrell said it was clear a federal election campaign was under way.

"And once again Julia Gillard has sought to play the race card in that election and to do so, in all places, multi-cultural western Sydney," he told the lower house.

"In attacking 457 visas she attacks legal immigration at a time she can't control or stop illegal immigration ... she took the low road and played the race card."

Mr O'Farrell also accused Ms Gillard of using a speech in western Sydney in 2010 to blame immigrants for traffic congestion.

"The prime minister has become an expert at dog whistles," he said.

His remarks prompted outrage from the other side of the house, which accused Mr O'Farrell of being "highly offensive".

Opposition Leader John Robertson said the Liberal Party had "an appalling record".

"If you want to talk about racism, we'll start talking about boats ... talking about Tampa, talking about children overboard.

"You are a disgrace."

Mr Robertson's outburst led to Parliamentary Speaker Shelley Hancock ejecting him from the house for the remainder of question time.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

O'Farrell attacks Gillard over 457s

Dengan url

http://laptoptua.blogspot.com/2013/03/ofarrell-attacks-gillard-over-457s.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

O'Farrell attacks Gillard over 457s

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

O'Farrell attacks Gillard over 457s

sebagai sumbernya