Australia reacts to the Paris attacks

Australia's political and religious leaders have responded to concerns about security checks after the Paris terror attacks.

AUSTRALIANS REASSURED ON SECURITY CHECKS

"We are not going to rush this process. If it means that the timeline is blown out ... that will be a consequence of it. We need to make sure we know who is coming to our country." - Immigration Minister Peter Dutton warns of possible delays in bringing 12,000 Syrian refugees to Australia to allow for thorough security checks.

"It is important we have security screening, absolutely. (But) I don't believe all refugees should be condemned for the actions of one or two, though." - Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

"There will undeniably be those who say that the relatively open borders have made it easier for terrorists to get in." - Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs warns against linking refugees with the Paris attacks.

"Message to Malcolm Turnbull: Australia does not need Middle Eastern refugees or Islamic boat people! Close our borders we have enough anarchists already resident in Australia." - NSW Nationals MP Andrew Fraser.

"I don't think anyone should say we shouldn't help someone in such need as those that are fleeing the sort of terror we've seen (in Paris) being wreaked upon them in their homeland." - NSW Premier Mike Baird distances himself from Mr Fraser's call.

"These recent incidents highlight the fact that current strategies to deal with the threat of terrorism are not working. We call upon all people of goodwill to stand against fear-mongering and injustice." - The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, says racism and Islamophobia must be addressed to help fight terrorism.

"Today we're all to some degree French, as we stand with the people of the great French republic in their sorrow." - Governor-General Peter Cosgrove after being the first to sign a condolence book in Canberra for victims.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world