LettersAustralia must deal with deep-seated racism before worrying about Asian students and their money

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Protesters participate in a Black Lives Matter rally in Brisbane on June 6. The Australian government and institutions need to address racism towards minorities, including Asians. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 6:30am, 13 Jun 2020Updated: 6:30am, 13 Jun 2020

The Communist Party of China must have heard Pauline Hanson’s plea to stop Asian immigration because, according to her, we are swamped by Asians. They are now telling Asians (overseas students at our universities) not to come to Australia and not to bring their money here (“China steps up pressure on Australia with warning to students”, June 9).

A cash-strapped government is worried, and is at pains to point out that Asians are welcome in Australia. Yet, when it comes to dealing with racism, it sits on its hands and pretends it is not a problem.

Is it their money or is it Asians who are welcome here?

Racism is a much bigger problem than the financial problems faced by our universities. We have been witnessing the Faustian bargain some universities have entered into with the Communist Party, but that is another issue.

The thousands who have taken to the streets all over the world – apart from China, which is too busy bringing the Chinese version of democracy to Hong Kong – attest to that.

Symbols of racism are being torn down everywhere. At last, and not before time, governments all over the world are hearing the anguish of those who have been subjected to racism and we are seeing tentative steps being taken to deal with this cancer devouring civil society.

Will our government and our institutions take up the gauntlet and run with it, or will they continue to utter ameliorating platitudes while kicking the can down the road?