Liberal Party targeting African gangs, multiculturalism tsar says

A multiculturalism tsar attacks election flyers ‘targeting Africans’ despite conceding no mention is made of them in the pamphlet.

Victoria’s Liberal Party, headed by Matthew Guy, has been accused of singling out African gangs.

Victoria’s multiculturalism tsar has accused the Liberal Party of targeting the state’s African communities in a state election flyer which shows shadowy figures in hoodies and declares only the Liberals can “stop gangs hunting in packs”.

The flyer was sent out to houses in the seat of Keysborough and includes promises from the opposition that they will increase police powers, introduce more mandatory sentencing, and break up youth gangs. It was endorsed by the Liberal Party and a picture of opposition leader Matthew Guy on the back.

Activists have accused the state opposition of dog-whistling in their latest campaign on law and order, as the state’s African youth crime crisis re-enters the political debate, in the run-up to November’s state election.

Victorian Multiculturalism Commission chairwoman Helen Kapalos told ABC radio in Melbourne that the flyer was using “identity politics” and was targeting one community; despite the fact the flyers do not mention Africans.

“What it is essentially doing signalling out a community under the banner of law and order … which I think is unfair,” she said, “It’s pretty simple. We don’t have to go into the semantics.”

“We’re seeing a really acute brand of identity politics related to the colour of someone’s skin.”

When ABC host Jon Faine said the flyer did not mention Africans and that a Google image search showed the image on the flyers was taken in London, Ms Kapalos responded: “There doesn’t have to be (any specific reference) does it?”

Mr Faine asked Ms Kapalos if she thought the campaign amounted to “dog-whistling”.

“It appears to be (dog whistling) and it is unfortunately so,” she replied.

Former news anchor, now multiculturalism commission chairwoman Helen Kapalos. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The latest political debate over African-linked youth crime comes as protesters planned to march on the Seven Network’s Melbourne office this afternoon. They are protesting against the network’s Sunday Night program which aired a segment about “African gangs” last Sunday.

Opposition police spokesman Edward O’Donohue told ABC radio the flyers, which do not mention Africans and do not show the colour of the hoodie-clad teens’ skin, were not targeted at African-Australian youths.

“What we’re concerned about is gang violence, gang behaviour, by anyone. No matter where they’re from or their background,” he said.

“Because gangs are a serious problem, crime is a serious problem. There is no doubt that gang violence is an enormous concern to the Victorian community.”