John Paul Langbroek right to tell new citizens problems of their home countries should be left behind

Surfers Paradise MP John Paul Langbroek was right to say that it’s important new Aussies assimilate and leave the troubles of their home countries behind. There’s just one niggling question that remains unanswered, writes Ann Wason Moore.

It’s 2020 … who needs any more problems?

Between coronavirus, Trump and bushfires, this year feels like a millennium when it comes to calamities and catastrophes.

Maybe that’s why Surfers Paradise MP John Paul Langbroek is concerned about adding any more to the pile.

The LNP Shadow Minister for Arts and Multicultural Affairs surprised Gold Coast citizenship ceremony attendees on Thursday when he told them not to bring their countries’ “problems” to Australia.

“It’s a day of mixed emotions about what you have left behind and we don’t expect you to leave it completely behind,” he said.

“But what we do ask is, and the mayor often says this, is that we treat each other with harmony, respect and courtesy.

“If you do come from some of those countries where they’ve had difficulties or battles, please don’t bring those problems here.

“Because in Australia we pride ourselves on our assimilation, the fact that you can maintain your own culture but that we value our own Gold Coast and Queensland community.”

Craig Mann's cartoon in the Bulletin on September 18.

The comments from Mr Langbroek, whose parents came from Holland and America and who became an Australian citizen himself in 1996, might indeed be surprising … but I don’t believe they are actually controversial.

God knows I am overjoyed every day to leave the issue that is my own home country’s president - Donald Trump - far behind. I pray that Australia’s green and gold is never besmirched with the orange.

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But honestly, I’ve been here almost 30 years and my own assimilation is still an ongoing process. You may move across the world, but a piece of your homeland is forever within you.

And like Mr Langbroek said, that is to be treasured. But you can’t focus on the past when you’re trying to make a future here.

The Gold Coast is one of the best places on Earth to focus on the horizon of tomorrow. Given I’ve lived here longer than most people I know, it’s proof that it really doesn’t take too long to become a local. And I believe our community is ready to accept the newly arrived if they’re willing to get involved.

Do we have issues with racism? Yes. But compared to when I arrived, we’ve come a long way. Sure, we still have a long way to go, but progress takes time.

Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek. Photo: Scott Powick.

My only query with Mr Langbroek’s statement is just how far these sentiments extend?

It’s interesting that while this word of warning is extended to our newest Australian citizens, the MP is happy to embrace a Chinese-only branch of the LNP on the Gold Coast, which many party faithful have questioned for its practice of segregation rather than integration. It’s not quite the definition of assimilation.

I completely support their willingness to get involved with our political system, but why not just join the local LNP branch?

But the absolute last thing I want to do is cast aspersions on this group, not only does it seem faintly racist, but I know nothing about what they do.

And that’s the problem.

Interviewing former Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow last year, she suggested I look into this group - saying she wanted to know what they were up to.

The last year can’t have been an easy time for anyone of Asian heritage who is living in Australia.

Now, I am not one to write about something of which I know nothing, so I immediately emailed the group’s chairman. After all, it’s an interesting story … why create a Chinese-only branch? What are the aims? What do they love about the Gold Coast? Queensland? Australia? And how have they been treated?

I received an email back and then plans were made for an interview. And then cancelled and remade. And then rescheduled for later. And then postponed. And then I sent another email a number of weeks ago and still no reply.

It’s now been almost a year since the initial email … and now I’m wondering, given all the issues between China and Australia, why no one will talk to me?

Look, I totally understand if those very issues are the issue … I can’t imagine the last year has been an easy time for anyone of Asian heritage who is living in Australia. That is not right and it is not fair and I would love to fight on their behalf.

But the question must be asked, is forming an exclusive group who won’t readily answer questions really showing ‘respect and courtesy’?

I embrace any immigrant to this country, but when we talk about assimilation, that means embracing the transparency of democracy which we hold so dear.

And that should not be a problem for any Australian.