Liberal MP Bev McArthur says people should appreciate “wonderful things” resulting from colonisation

Conservative MP Bev McArthur has been slammed for claiming Indigenous Australians should be thankful for the “wonderful things that have been enabled by colonisation”.

Bev McArthur has been slammed by her party’s leader for her comments on social media. Picture: Andy Rogers

Opposition leader John Pesutto has slammed “hurtful” comments made by an outspoken Liberal MP about Indigenous people.

Conservative MP Bev McArthur questioned online whether the people opposed to Australia Day also should appreciate the “wonderful things that have been enabled via colonisation” such as healthcare, electricity and mobile phones.

The comments were sparked in response to the City of Greater Geelong Council’s decision to cancel Australia Day.

“The Geelong City Council is effectively saying we are not a good nation – and we should remain in a state of eternal apology,” Ms McArthur said in a statement posted to her website.

“To (Geelong councillor Jim) Mason who says Australia Day is a day of sorrow and loss, does he not also reflect on the wonderful things that have been enabled via colonisation by a democratic country?

“Firstly – democracy itself. The arrival of Communists instead of the First Fleet would no doubt have created a different outcome.

“Should we also say sorry for hospitals, roads, mobile phones, ready food at supermarkets, homes, running water, electricity for light and warmth, indigenous-only medical centres, aged care and court processes?

“There is one word that is rarely heard in this discussion, and it is a simple word. Thank you.

“Maybe that word should be heard loudly on Australia Day – a day to give thanks for everything that makes us one of the best nations in the world – not a perfect nation – but an extraordinary one.”

Leader of the Opposition John Pesutto condemned Ms McArthur’s comments. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Pesutto on Tuesday distanced himself from Ms McArthur’s comments.

“I do not accept that as a statement, I think it is hurtful to Indigenous Victorians and Indigenous Australians,” he said.

“I think it’s incumbent on everyone to engage in debates about Indigenous Australians and the great contribution our First Nations people have made it our country in a very respectful way.

“There are ways to conduct this debate without causing hurt or offence.”

Mr Pesutto refused to say whether Ms McArthur would be formally warned about her online conduct, but confirmed he would address the matter with her.

While he would talk about internal matters with the media, Mr Pesutto said he would speak to Ms McArthur about ways to engage in respectful debate.