Statement: A Current Affair program on Castle Mall and the Hills District

 Friday, 9 November 2012

The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, today condemned the program aired by A Current Affair on Wednesday 7 November regarding Castle Mall and the Hills District.

“I want to make it crystal clear that this program was not reflective of the views of the residents of the Hills community or the shopkeepers of Castle Mall.

“In particular the comments made by Pauline Hanson were ill-informed and completely unwelcome. We certainly do not need comments promoting racial tension in our community.

“Along with many others I am outraged that this program makes the residents of Mitchell appear to be xenophobic. Our community has a long history of migrants coming from all over the globe to make this area their home. It has been a stunning success.  The Hills district is rich in cultural diversity as migrants have established their families and businesses and it is a great mix in Northwest Sydney, said Alex Hawke.

“I call on Pauline Hanson and A Current Affair to apologise for their ghastly story and get the facts about the Hills District”, Alex Hawke concluded.