NSW: Racism difficult to stamp out: Rees
27 Jan 2009 1:33 PM
EDS: Note language in 2nd par
SYDNEY, Jan 27 AAP - People should speak up against racism, but the problem will always be difficult to stamp out in Australia, NSW Premier Nathan Rees says.
Mr Rees says he's appalled by reports of youths at Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches, wearing shirts with slogans such as "f*** off, we're full" on Australia Day.
He says such behaviour is "absolutely reprehensible".
"That level of intolerance has no place (in Australia)," Mr Rees has told reporters in Sydney.
"We're a tolerant nation. More than 200 nationalities across Australia are represented."
Three years after the race riot in Sydney's beachside suburb of Cronulla, Mr Rees says the ugly side of Australia will always rear its head.
"I don't think it is something you can entirely stamp out.
"This is one of those areas where eternal vigilance is required.
"Those of us who value tolerance and diversity need to be prepared to stand up and articulate why we value it."
