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Nuclear India is good for globe

2008-07-27

By Andrew Robb LAST Tuesday's vote of confidence in the Indian parliament supporting an international agreement on the use of uranium for clean energy production means that Kevin Rudd must correct the snub to India by reversing his earlier decision to abandon uranium sales for clean electricity generation. The Government must reverse its position on this issue, which has been described as the most crucial to face India since it gained independence nearly 61 years ago. One of the first foreign policy acts of the Rudd Government was to overturn a decision by the Howard government to help India supply greenhouse gas-free electricity to its growing population, provided certain conditions were met, under a agreement being negotiated between the US and India. The Rudd Government's decision was wrong, an offence compounded by Foreign Minister Stephen Smith telling India it was because of party politics. India's energy security and needs are the major issue in the relationship between our two countries. This issue can make Australia a very important partner to India strategically. It is what India really wants from us. From a climate perspective there is overwhelming merit in addressing the reality of India's energy needs by supplying the resources for clean energy, otherwise these resources will simply come from less environmentally friendly sources. Two thirds of India's emissions come from burning coal, mainly in power stations. Without a change in the method of base-load power generation, this share of emissions from coal-fired power stations will increase through to 2030 and beyond. As India grows, it will rank third behind the US and China in terms of global energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. If the existing restrictions on the import of nuclear technology and uranium for peaceful power sources are removed, as much as 35 per cent of India's total energy needs could be met by clean nuclear power plants by 2050. This would have a much bigger impact on global greenhouse gas reductions than any domestic policy Rudd could propose. Countries using Australian uranium avoid carbon dioxide emissions roughly equivalent to our entire annual CO2 emissions from all sources. Around the world nuclear power today reduces global emissions by more than 2 billion tonnes a year. As well, the conditions that Australia placed on any sales of uranium to India would have seen global non-proliferation strengthened by including India, a country the Government acknowledges has an exemplary record on non-proliferation. The majority of India's nuclear reactors are coming under the strict coverage of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time. Smith has stated that India "has a strong record on non-proliferation" but that Labor will not change its position on opposing the sale of uranium to India because the policy is "long-standing and well known". This is putting grubby party politics ahead of the national interest. India is understood to be deeply offended by the Government's decision, and the manner in which it was conveyed. Influential foreign affairs commentators from India have denounced the decision in the strongest terms, labelling the scrapping of the pledge to sell uranium as "retrograde ideology, pathetic hypocrisy, misplaced non-proliferation zealotry", and accusing our Prime Minister of parroting "the same lame excuse as if he has not read the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty text". However, while the Government is saying to our Indian friends that we do not trust them with our uranium, at the same time Rudd and Smith say they have not yet made up their minds on whether to veto sales of uranium to India by the 44 other members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. How can Australia refuse to sell our uranium to India, yet plausibly support the rest of the world supplying uranium? Either way, Australia will be adding insult to injury. The bottom line on all this is that by reversing Australia's commitment to sell uranium to India, Labor did substantial damage to the Australia-India relationship. The national interest was not considered. Climate change was ignored. Nuclear non-proliferation was sidelined. A China bias was implied. Constructive US policy towards Asia was opposed. India's feelings were trampled . It makes no sense to sell uranium to China and Russia, and not to India. Or to claim climate change to be the great moral challenge of our time and then block the adoption of nuclear technology, which is greenhouse gas-free and already provides 16 per cent of the world's electricity needs. The US-India nuclear agreement is good for India, good for Australia, good for the region, good for climate change and good for nuclear non-proliferation. To block uranium sales to India is disastrous politics. It is a position that is unsustainable. It can and must be reversed. Andrew Robb is Opposition spokesman on foreign affairs.

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Silly not to sell uranium to India: Robb

2008-03-31

The Rudd government will be forced to reverse its "hypocritical" ban on uranium exports to India, the federal opposition says. It described the ban, implemented shortly after Labor won the November federal election, as "stupidity" because Australia freely sold uranium to states such as China and Russia. Opposition foreign affair spokesman Andrew Robb says it is hypocritical to deny India, which has always abided by the rules of non-proliferation despite not being party to international agreements, the benefits of nuclear technology while China gains full access. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's new government made clear to India soon after taking office that it had no intention of changing its policy of only selling uranium to countries which were party to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith passed on this view to Indian special envoy Shyam Saran in January. Mr Robb says he expects the government will be forced ultimately to overturn its decision. "The Rudd government position is wrong and unsustainable," Mr Robb told the Sydney Institute. "The decision also reflects confused and inconsistent policy priorities given that one of Mr Rudd's supposed three pillars of his foreign policy is enhancing relations with Asia. "Ultimately, I expect that the Rudd government will need to reverse this decision not to sell Australian yellowcake to India. "The decision and the amateur way in which the decision was communicated to the Indian government has left a very bitter taste in Indian mouths." The former Howard coalition government agreed in August last year to sell uranium to India subject to the finalisation of a US-India nuclear technology exchange deal and the conclusion of a bilateral Australia-India safeguards agreement. "It was proposed that Australia sell uranium to India according to the identical strict safeguards under which we sell uranium to China and Russia," Mr Robb said. "In years gone by, China has sold nuclear technology to Pakistan and North Korea - unlike India which has abided by the NPT obligations, even from the outside." It would be "highly hypocritical" to deny India - provided it fully met agreed conditions - the technology while China benefited from full nuclear access. India and Australia were two great democracies sharing the common values and interests of democracies, Mr Robb said. "This is a critical moment in seeking to cement an Australian-Indian strategic partnership - a relationship of great importance to Australia's interests and Australia's future. "It is a strategic partnership that can be built around the challenge of energy in an energy-hungry world, while simultaneously addressing two of the great challenges of our time - climate change and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons."

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Labor considers US missile shield

2008-02-25

PINE Gap may become part of a US-led strategic missile defence shield as Labor considers reversing its opposition to the controversial scheme - a move that could create tensions with China and Russia. In Opposition, Labor was against Australian involvement in a program to build a national missile shield protecting the US, but supported a limited theatre-based system that could be deployed in war zones. But Foreign Minister Stephen Smith yesterday said missile defence technology had evolved and that the Government was now giving "careful consideration" to participating in the missile shield. Yet another benefit from hitting that satellite ... Last year, then defence minister Brendan Nelson told parliament the US-Australian defence facility at Pine Gap could form part of a missile shield by providing early warnings of ballistic missile launches. Any about-face on missile defence could stoke tensions within the Labor Party, with opposition to the joint facilities being an article of faith for many on the party's Left. However, Mr Smith said yesterday: "The technology has moved on, and so what we've said is that in conversation with our ally, with the US, we're happy to give consideration to the missile defence arrangements." The system would offer protection to the US, but could in the future be extended to provide limited cover to Washington's allies, including Australia, through the use of ship-based missiles. Critics say the system would spark a regional arms race and relies on uncertain technology. Both have been undercut by events. The technology now has been shown to work, and the neighbors are too poor to overcome it. Any Australian involvement in a missile shield would generate tensions with nuclear powers China and Russia, both of which are implacably opposed to the scheme, which they fear is aimed at containing their strategic influence. But it would guarantee that Australia would continue to benefit from US intelligence and would give Australian defence contractors access to lucrative work during its development. The Aussies would gain a pair of AEGIS ships in time. Homeport them in Darwin or Townsville, and Australia gains sufficient protection to be as independent as it wants of Chinese and Nork threats. Mr Smith said the Government had yet to be persuaded about the viability of a such a system, citing the unknown high cost as well as doubts over the technology. "We're not rushing to embrace it, we are just giving very careful consideration to it and we'll do that in conjunction with our US ally," he said. Want us to hit another satellite? Mr Smith said the matter had been under discussion during the weekend's Ausmin talks with US Defence Secretary Robert Gates. He denied the two governments were locked in secret talks over the idea, but said certain aspects of the discussions had to remain confidential. Participation in the scheme might prove to be in Australia's national interest, Mr Smith said. "We don't want to make any decisions which would deprive us of technology which might in the end be in our national security interest and be able to protect our forces in the field," he said. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb said Mr Smith's remarks were inconsistent with Labor's pre-election position on the subject. "They need to clearly explain what their position is," he said. Strategic and defence expert Ross Babbage said that Mr Smith's remarks were a case of "reality biting". "Australia is already involved in a range of things related to missile defence, particularly in monitoring launches," he said. Improved detection, tracking and targeting technology was rendering the distinction between theatre-based and region-based missile defence systems indivisible, Professor Babbage said. He said Australian co-operation in the project would come in the form of research and development as well as surveillance and technology.

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Keeping them hopefully ... "Back of Bourke"

2007-01-02

A GUIDE to Australian life for potential migrants will be drawn up using a British booklet – called Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship - as a model, it was revealed yesterday. The booklet, to be printed only in English, will be a compulsory read for anyone applying for Australian citizenship in preparation for taking the proposed citizenship test. Latest Newspoll results have found 85 per cent of Australians now support the idea of a test that requires applicants to have a working level of English. Parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Robb said yesterday he was encouraged by the strong support for the legislation, which he aims to present in the autumn session. "The results reflect that a majority of people believe a working level of English for migrants is just common sense," he said. It was a basic requirement as workplaces get more sophisticated in their safety signage, he added. The test will comprise a written English-language exam and 30 multiple choice questions dealing with Australian life and values. The questions will be randomly generated from a pool of 200. Mr Robb said the answers would be contained in a handbook similar to one used by the British Government to familiarise potential migrants with life in Britain. Mr Robb started gathering material for the booklet after flagging the idea of a citizenship test last September. After studying models from Canada, Holland and the US, he decided the British one would be the most suitable. "We haven't started on the questions yet," Mr Robb said. "But the main exercise is to get people to read the booklet, gain an understanding of the Australian way of life and pass the test." He said the knowledge to pass the test would give migrants a better chance of finding jobs, communicating and navigating their way around more capably. The Government has also increased its capacity for English tuition for migrants, with applicants now able to access up to 510 hours of tuition and refugees up to 910 hours. More than 100,000 migrants from 175 countries have become citizens in the last year.

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Uncovered meat sheik linked with terror groups

2006-10-30

Wotta surprize... one more exposed Moderate Muslim... ASIO warned the authorities 20 years ago that Sheik Taj Eldeen Alhilaly could inflame communal violence in Australia. Court judgments show ASIO initially believed the controversial mufti posed a risk to the community because of his alleged propensity to cause or promote violence. Shortly after his arrival in Australia as the new imam of Lakemba Mosque in 1982, Sheik Alhilaly was also linked with a shadowy terrorist group, Soldiers of God, which is thought to have been involved in the assassination of Egyptian president Anwar Sadat in 1981. A group of the same name, also known as Ansar al Islam, is among those listed by the Federal Government as a banned terrorist organisation. Western governments believe Ansar al Islam has close ideological and operational links with al-Qaeda. Sheik Alhilaly was also alleged to have endorsed suicide bombing, verbally attacked women and preached a highly political message of extremism. The Sunday Telegraph columnist Piers Akerman writes today that a former intelligence officer said Alhilaly's name first surfaced in a report by one of Australia's most senior intelligence assets in Cairo. The report named the sheik, claimed he had spent a number of years training in Libya and was sent to Australia to train extremists. Akerman writes the report was shelved and the agent who sent it believes that a campaign was waged against its contents. The pressure on Alhilaly grew yesterday, with Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Andrew Robb saying it was time for Sheik Alhilaly to heed the wishes of moderate Muslims and resign. He also questioned the sincerity of his apology for comments comparing women to uncovered meat and blaming them for rape. "The body language of the apology was totally unconvincing,'' Mr Robb said. "He's condoned violence against women and snubbed his nose at ... every section of the community.''

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Hilali won't quit

2006-10-28

Australia's top Muslim cleric defied mounting pressure to step down for comments comparing women without head scarves to "uncovered meat," and suggested Friday that President Bush was more deserving of criticism for the bloodshed in Iraq. Government leaders warned that by remaining mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj Aldin al-Hilali was dividing Australia's Islamic community, many of whom reject his suggestion that women who dress immodestly will be eaten by cats invite rape. "He's driven a wedge within the community and the Muslim community itself is demanding that he be sacked." "He's driven a wedge within the community and the Muslim community itself is demanding that he be sacked," government spokesman on multicultural issues, Andrew Robb, told Nine Network television news. But Toufic Zreika, an administrator of Australia's largest mosque in Sydney where the Egyptian-born cleric gave his sermon last month, said dismissing al-Hilali could also divide Muslims. "The problem is we risk dividing the community further and that's my main aim, to keep this community together," Zreika, president of the Lakemba Mosque Association, told Ten Network television news. In a concession to broad outrage from Muslim and non-Muslims alike over his comments, al-Hilali agreed to abstain from preaching for three months while he makes a pilgrimage to Mecca, said his friend Keysar Trad, president of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia. "He's going to have time to reflect about he's said, for which he has apologized, "The grass roots (Muslims) are certainly not going to overlook all the hard work he's done for the community in the past and condemn him for these comments." and the grass roots (Muslims) are certainly not going to overlook all the hard work he's done for the community in the past and condemn him for these comments," said Trad, who also acts as the cleric's spokesman. The furor erupted Thursday when The Australian national newspaper reported translated excerpts of al-Hilali's lecture, which his supporters suspect had been secretly tape-recorded by a rival Islamic group. Scores of worshippers attended Friday prayers at his mosque, but, in accordance with the ban, the 65-year-old al-Hilali did not deliver a sermon. Asked if he would resign, al-Hilali, surrounded by a police guard outside the mosque, told reporters, "After we clean the world of the White House first." He did not elaborate. The statement brought cheers and applause from the supporters who surrounded him. Trad later explained on al-Hilali's behalf that the cleric was making a point that Bush's foreign policy and invasion of Iraq were more deserving of criticism than a sermon. The cleric was a vocal opponent of the Iraq war and has previously described Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Australian Prime Minister John Howard - the three leaders who declared war on Saddam Hussein's regime - as an axis of evil. But some Muslim leaders have called for the resignation of the cleric who was to become a unifying figure when he was appointed national mufti in 1989 by the top Islamic body, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. Islamic Council of Victoria state executive Sherene Hassan told Ten news that "99.99 percent of Muslims do not support what he's saying and he certainly does not represent the majority of Muslims." "99.99 percent of Muslims do not support what he's saying and he certainly does not represent the majority of Muslims." Howard said Australia's Muslims would be perceived as supporting al-Hilali's views if he remained a religious leader. "What I am saying to the Islamic community is this: If they do not resolve this matter, it could do lasting damage to the perceptions of that community within the broader Australian community," Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting. The controversy comes amid tense relations between Australia's estimated 300,000 Muslims and the rest of the 20 million population who predominantly come from a Christian background. In December 2005, Sydney was gripped by riots that often pitted gangs of white youths against youths of Middle Eastern descent. Howard recently offended parts of the Muslim community by singling out some Muslims as extremists and saying they should adopt liberal attitudes to women's rights.

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Sheikh's sermons put on hold after making comments about women

2006-10-26

The Lebanese Muslim Association says one of the nation's most senor clerics will not give sermons at Sydney's Lakemba Mosque for the next two to three months. The association met last night to discuss controversial comments about women made by Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly. Association president Tom Zreika says the board met the Sheikh last night and it accepts the comments he made during a sermon last month were misinterpreted. But this morning Mr Zreika says some board members wanted stronger action taken against the Sheikh. "There were a few items there we didn't fully accept," he said. "Some people on the board would have liked to see more done but unfortunately we can only speak as a board." Mr Zreika says the Sheikh will not be giving sermons at Lakemba Mosque for the next few months but he will not say whether the Sheikh agreed to this or whether the board imposed the suspension on him as punishment. "It was a very, very intense meeting and you can take it either way," he said. He says the Sheikh will issue a statement later today, clarifying his comments. Parliamentary secretary for Multicultural Affairs Andrew Robb is outraged that stronger action has not been taken against the Sheikh. Mr Robb says he believes there will be strong pressure from other Muslims for the Sheikh to be asked to resign. "I must say I'm shocked - I'm quite angry about this and frustrated by this decision of a few leaders in Sydney to wipe their hands of this matter - I think it's unacceptable," he said. "And I do suspect it in no way reflects the widespread disgust that I observed across the Muslim community around Australia yesterday." Community Relations Commission chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian wrote to Sheikh Al Hilaly yesterday, asking him to explain the comments. Mr Kerkyasharian says he is not satisfied with the Sheikh's and Muslim leaders' responses to the controversy. "The original reported sermon was unquestionably, unquestionably about rape," he said. "Now we're told that he will not be preaching for a few months - that sounds like a punishment and a suspension to me. "I think someone needs to make a very clear statement as to what is really happening."

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Australian Govt. flags changes to refugee program

2006-10-17

Refugees in Australia could find it harder to bring family members from their troubled homelands if the government goes ahead with proposed changes to the humanitarian migration program. A discussion paper on the program was released on Tuesday, suggesting refugees fleeing war, violence and discrimination be made to take English lessons before they travel to Australia. But it also proposed tightening rules for people living in Australia who nominate others for resettlement visas. They could have to meet certain requirements, including a minimum one year period of employment, two years of residence, and prove they are financially literate. In its discussion paper, the government suggests prioritising those with a proven track record of helping migrants settle under the humanitarian program, and those who are based in areas with worker shortages. It also says a limit may be placed on the number of people an individual or group can nominate. But refugee advocate Pamela Curr said the plans would make it more difficult for refugees to be reunited with their families. "If they implement this discussion paper, they will effectively be blocking human beings from reuniting with their husbands, their wives. "Every human being has a right to their family," she said. "And a pony." "They've raised the bar for refugees to prove themselves before they can achieve family reunion." But she applauded a government proposal to teach incoming refugees English. "That's a great idea," Ms Curr said. "Anything that assists people to settle in the community is something that we want." In the paper, the government proposes expanding its Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) program, which was first piloted in Kenya in 2003. The program, run by the International Organisation for Migration, currently provides people preparing to settle in Australia with a 15 hour information session covering the ins and outs of Australian life, laws, and settlement services. But the government wants to include a basic introduction to English in the course and increase its length. "The scope exists to enhance and expand the AUSCO program to further improve the settlement prospects of humanitarian entrants through targeted curriculum development, increasing the length of the courses and incorporating an introduction English language training as a course module," the discussion paper says. Parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb said English language skills were essential. "The ability to speak and understand English is fundamental to effective integration into the community and is crucial if people are to benefit from the education and employment opportunities offered by Australia," he said. The Australian Democrats have slammed the plan. "I have a real concern that the government is creating a situation where refugees and migrants are again being targeted and division in the community is being fuelled," Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett said. "It is simply outrageous to impose English requirements on refugees fleeing war torn countries who may have lived for decades in refugee camps." Last month, Opposition Leader Kim Beazley sparked a nationwide debate when he proposed forcing all new migrants to sign up to Australian values. The government then released a discussion paper proposing tougher citizenship laws designed to make immigrants wait longer for an Australian passport. Under the plan, immigrants would have to sit a test to prove they understand Australian history, national symbols, culture and the democratic system, as well as English, before being granted citizenship. The government is inviting community feedback on the discussion paper. Australia accepts around 13,000 people through its refugee and humanitarian program each year.

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Australia a Muslim nation, says PM advisor

2006-10-08

AUSTRALIA is a Muslim nation, the head of Prime Minister John Howard's Muslim advisory board says. Dr Ameer Ali says most Australians practise Muslim values but the Muslim community is being alienated and disadvantaged by Islamophobia. Dr Ali said multiculturalism was Australia's destiny but Muslims, as latecomers, were being disadvantaged. "We would like to remain in this country as citizens like anybody else, but with cultural individuality preserved," he said. "We want an Australia which is like a fruit salad with a nice juice in it, not a mega fruit juice." Before addressing a conference on national identity today, Dr Ali said Muslim values were practised in Australia. "When I go abroad, they ask me where do I come from? I say I come from a Muslim country," he said. "Which country, they say. Australia. "That's not a Muslim country. Yes it's Muslim country. "For the value that my religion preaches, these people practise. "So I see Islam here but (the people) may not be Muslims, but in (other) countries I see Muslims but not Islam. "So when I come back to Australia, I've been told to respect Australian values and now I am confused, because I see no contradiction at all. "Values are universal. Human values - there is no such thing as Australian values." Dr Ali has denied a report in The Australian newspaper last week which quoted him as saying that Muslims should not blindly follow the Koran and that Mohammed was not the perfect model and had human flaws. But Dr Ali said the comments and a caption underneath a photograph saying "Muslim minds closed" were deeply offensive to all Muslims. Federal parliamentary secretary for multicultural affairs, Andrew Robb, said Dr Ali should be congratulated for the comments. But Dr Ali has been inundated with complaints from angry Muslims since the story appeared and Australia's most senior Islamic cleric called for him to be ostracised. "I have received a number of emails from my fellow Muslims who have taken this opportunity to ridicule me and I do not deny their right to do so," Dr Ali said. "The description projected by the article in The Australian totally misrepresents the noble character of the Holy Prophet who was sent as a model to humanity. "Any part that I may have unwittingly played in this depiction is deeply regretted." "Please don't kill me!" Dr Ali's term on the Muslim advisory board expired last month.

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Course on values for Imams praised

2006-09-25

A course for local Imams teaching subjects denouncing extremism and understanding Australian culture has been praised by the federal government. Subjects titled Islamic doctrine and the theological proof against extremism and Muslim integration into Australia are included in the Australian designed and based course. Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration Andrew Robb, who wants Australia's Islamic clerics to preach sermons in English, attended a graduation ceremony for the course in Sydney on Monday night. Some 100 Imams and Islamic leaders graduated at the Darulfatwa Islamic High Council's ceremony. Mr Robb, who also wants Imams to denounce terrorism, said the course was an important step towards teaching Islam in an Australian context. "Such understanding makes them far more effective in instilling confidence in Australian Muslims that they can be equal and committed members of the community while being true to their faith," he said. Mr Robb said the course was an extremely positive example of Australia's Imams and Muslim leaders actively supporting the Australian government in building community cohesion and unity. "The recent historic two-day conference of Imams, with its particular focus on young people, was another key development in looking at how to communicate Islam to Muslims in Australia," he said. Mr Robb said he was encouraged that the Imams conference had stressed the importance of preaching in English. "Some fifty per cent of the 360,000 Muslims in Australia are under 25 years of age and most were born in Australia with English as their first language," he said. "So there is a clear responsibility to deliver the teachings of Islam in English so young people learn about the Koran from the Mosque and not the internet." Mr Robb extended his best wishes to Australia's Muslim community at the commencement of the month of Ramadan noting that they played an important role in Australia's economic and social life.

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Muslims read riot act

2006-09-17

AUSTRALIA'S Muslim leaders have been "read the riot act" over the need to denounce any links between Islam and terrorism. The Howard Government's multicultural spokesman, Andrew Robb, yesterday told an audience of 100 imams who address Australia's mosques that these were tough times requiring great personal resolve. Mr Robb also called on them to shun a victim mentality that branded any criticism as discrimination. "We live in a world of terrorism where evil acts are being regularly perpetrated in the name of your faith," Mr Robb said at the Sydney conference. "And because it is your faith that is being invoked as justification for these evil acts, it is your problem. "You can't wish it away, or ignore it, just because it has been caused by others. "Instead, speak up and condemn terrorism, defend your role in the way of life that we all share here in Australia." Mr Robb said unless Muslims took responsibility for their destiny and tackled the causes of terrorism, Australia would become divided. Mr Robb, the parliamentary secretary for immigration and multicultural affairs, said it was important for migrants to learn English. "I see as critical the need for imams to have effective English language skills -- it is a self-evident truth that a shared language is one of the foundations of national cohesion," he said. On the eve of Mr Robb's release today of a discussion paper on a new citizenship test, the chairman of the Government's Muslim Reference Group, Dr Ameer Ali, said Opposition Leader Kim Beazley's idea of a values test was silly, as was the need for a universal English test. He called for an orientation program for new migrants akin to a university student's orientation week.

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Imams told to preach in English, denounce extremism

2006-09-16

AoS note: no link! AUSTRALIA'S Islamic clerics have been told they must draw on the teachings of Islam to condemn terrorism, and preach in English. The federal Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Robb today called on more than 100 Australian imams and Muslim leaders attending a government-sponsored conference to denounce extremist misrepresentations of Islam. “We live in a world of global terrorism where vile acts are regularly being perpetrated in the name of your faith,” Mr Robb told the two-day conference which started today. “Because it is your faith that is being invoked as justification for these evil acts, it is your problem. “You cannot wish it away or ignore it just because it has been caused by others.” The taxpayer-funded conference, which was intended for earlier this year, was initially the brainchild of the now divided Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. But organisation of the event was handed to the Muslim Community Reference Group members by Mr Robb after the AFIC failed to get it going. A number of hardcore Islamists accepted invitations to attend. Names and photos of each, I hope. Mr Robb urged delegates to do more to ensure young Australian Muslims knew the real meaning of the Koran. “I say to you speak up and condemn terrorism,” he said. “I know many in your community are doing this ... but too many are silent or simply protest that they are being branded unfairly.” But conference keynote speaker Sheik Ibrahim Mogra from the Muslim Council of Britain said Muslim leaders and the Government had a shared responsibility to denounce terrorism. “We as imams and Muslim leaders have to shout out loud as loudly as we can that terrorism has no room in Islam, it is the exact opposite of what Islam stands for,” Sheik Mogra said. “At the same time the politicians should hear our voice. “I have been very, very disappointed ... when the acknowledgment is not there that we are condemning the violence. It's as if we are not being heard.” You'll need to keep it up, louder and longer. Sheik Mogra told delegates they must encourage good government initiatives. “I called on them to proactively engage the Government, not to be cynical all the time but to pat the Government's back when they get it right and to help them when they get it wrong,” he said. With 50 per cent of the 360,000 Muslims in Australia under 25 years of age, and most born in Australia with English as their first language, Mr Robb said it was essential for imams to have effective English language skills. “For imams to present Islam in a truly Australian context, especially to second and third generation young Australian Muslims, it would seem essential that imams be able to preach effectively in English. “The fact that I needed to have my address translated into several languages very clearly highlights my concern. “(Young people's) view of Islam should come from the Mosque, not from the internet.”

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