New migrants should be taught to use deodorant and wait in line politely, according to the Coalition’s citizenship spokeswoman Teresa Gambaro. Her comments – published in The Australian this week – sparked outrage from online readers as well as that of Pino Migliorino, chairman of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils.
The furious reaction forced Ms Gambaro to issue an apology saying that her comments did not reflect coalition policy and were taken out of context. Ms Gambaro was quoted in The Australian saying that new migrants on temporary work visas were not integrating into the community because they were not being taught about Australian health, hygiene and lifestyle. “Without trying to be offensive, we are talking about hygiene and what is an acceptable norm in this country when you are working closely with other co-workers.” Ms Gambaro was quoted saying.
The comments would make Australia “look like a joke” to the international community and damage efforts by employers to fill skills shortages by attracting overseas workers said Mr Migliorino, adding that Teresa Gambaro comes from the same background with him.
“We grew up being called dirty wogs” he said. “This is no longer the 1960s, temporary migrants are people coming from a university background. To say ‘you smell’ is ridiculous,” said Mr Migliorino, pointing out that Ms Gambaro’s statement also undermines the federal Coalition’s policy stance on encouraging skilled migration.
“The Liberal opposition are on record as saying they want all of our migration to be skills-based. Australia is courting for temporary labour in a competitive international market,” Mr Migliorino said adding that Gambaro’s comments are “silly and ridiculous”.
Labor MP Michelle Rowland called for Ms Gambaro to apologise for insulting skilled migrants. “Her comments are insulting and insensitive to the many doctors, nurses, accountants and engineers who have come to Australia on a skilled migration visa,” said Ms Rowland.
“Skilled migrants come to Australia to work in hospitals, care for our elderly, and fill gaps in regional and remote areas.” “The comments are unbecoming and irresponsible and Mr Abbott should come clean on whether he supports Ms Gambaro’s views,” she said.
