Fed: Lawlessness, not racism, blamed for mob violence: Costello

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2005
Fed: Lawlessness, not racism, blamed for mob violence: Costello

PETER COSTELLO says violent racist attacks in Sydney are an example of hoodlums out
of control .. rather than racism.

The Treasurer says the threat of racial mob violence has dissipated .. since police
flooded the areas where rioting occurred last weekend.

Mr COSTELLO's condemned the use of the Australian flag during the unrest .. saying
it's a symbol of everything good that the nation stands for .. and shouldn't be used in
fights or hooliganism.

The treasurer says multiculturalism should mean being first and foremost Australian
.. while also retaining elements of immigrant culture.

AAP RTV cb/ce/tm/sco

KEYWORD: SURF COSTELLO (MELBOURNE)

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