Editorial: Turkish president’s words put Australians in peril

In the wake of the monstrous mosques massacre in Christchurch last Friday, there have been some positive elements to cling to. But the actions of the Turkish president have been as sickening as they are reckless.

IN the wake of the monstrous atrocity of the mosques massacre in Christchurch last Friday, there have – thankfully – been some positive elements to cling to in order to stoke hope.

Chief among them has been the outpouring of compassion for, and open-hearted embracing of, the Muslim community both in New Zealand and here in Australia.

The people of both countries have made it absolutely clear that there is no room for separation based on creed or colour. So too there has been overwhelming denunciation of this act of terrorism, and of the racist hatred behind it.

The pariah, Senator Fraser Anning aside, politicians on both sides of the Tasman have been consistent, strong and clear in responding to this evil with a message of unity and utter rejection of intolerance.

This measured response has been reflected by leaders around the world. With one notable and extremely dangerous exception.

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has leapt to exploit the events in New Zealand last week with a glee that is as sickening as it is reckless.

At rallies, during which he screened excerpts of the video recorded by alleged gunman Australian Brenton Tarrant during the murderous spree and extracts of the so-called manifesto, Erdogan sought to paint the attack as an example of more widespread Islamophobia.

Erdogan then launched into an extraordinary tirade, linking the mosque attack to the battle of Gallipoli and threatening that any Australians and New Zealanders who visited Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiment would be sent home in coffins “just like your grandfathers”.

It has now escalated into a full diplomatic incident. Prime Minister Scott Morrison was justifiably outraged by the “deep offence’’ to Australians by the remarks and hauled in Turkish ambassador Korhan Karakoc to explain.

Following the meeting, Mr Morrison rejected the excuses proffered by the ambassador that his president’s remarks were made in the heat of the moment. Australia’s ambassador to Turkey was to last night demand a formal retraction of the comments.

Erdogan is a highly experienced politician, who on the back foot over his country’s economic performance, chose to indulge in political opportunism of the most vulgar and reckless kind – seeking to gain support by whipping up ideological differences.

Such behaviour would be reprehensible from any leader anywhere in the world. But Turkey holds a special position and particular responsibility sitting as it does as the bridge between east and west, the meeting point of Islam and Christianity.

Erdogan’s inflammatory comments not only “insult the memory of the Anzacs” as Mr Morrison points out, they undermine a century of building peace and forgiveness between our nations.

Each Anzac Day, Aussies and Kiwis travel to stand side-by-side with Turks, honouring the thousands who died at Gallipoli and now, according to the promise of legendary Turkish leader Ataturk, lie in peace – “Johnnies and Mehmets” together.

It may now be too dangerous for Australians to make that pilgrimage this year. Erdogan’s outrageous outbursts have potentially made them a target for radicals within his country.

At a time when the world is pleading for calm and reconciliation, the Turkish president has sown the seeds for fresh suspicion and hate.

HOW CAN WE LIFT OUR LIFESTYLE?

THE factors that contribute to making a city the sort of place where people want to live are not rocket science.

As identified in the new “Life in Australia” report from realestate.com.au and IPSOS, the top priority for Greater Brisbane residents – and indeed all Australians – is being somewhere we and our loved ones feel safe.

We also value the availability of high-quality health services, a decent home at an affordable price, good job prospects and efficient public transport to help us get around.

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There is no question that compared with many, many places around the world, this remains a highly desirable location and we often raise our eyebrows at Brisbane’s relatively low ranking in global liveability tables prepared by outsiders.

This study, on the other hand, captures the sentiment of those who actually live here. And there are enough worrying signs that we should sit up and take serious note.

Satisfaction levels on virtually all of the measures test are tracking downwards, in some cases quite rapidly.

Overall, we’ve slipped from the third to fourth most liveable city in Australia.

These findings reflect many of the concerns highlighted by The Courier-Mail’s Future SEQ series, examining the opportunities and challenges of our fast-growing region and exploring some of the practical measures needed to maintain liveability while increasing prosperity.

An action plan developed from that series was topped by the need for all three levels of government – councils, state and federal – to join forces on an agreed set of priorities and funding arrangements to deliver the public transport, roads, residential planning and development and economic investment critical to the region’s successful growth.

That process took a step forward last Friday when federal Cities Minister Alan Tudge, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Lord Mayor Graham Quick gathered in Brisbane to sign a statement of intent for a historic City Deal agreement for the next two decades. The clock is ticking.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Sam Weir, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at www.couriermail.com.au/help/contact-us