Peter Dutton's recent comments in the press and in parliament have cast aspersions on the Lebanese and Muslim communities in Australia, stating that they are likely to be terrorists, petty criminals, or guilty of serious crimes such as extortion.  Using further divisive and inflammatory language, he also derided those that advocate for equality.

Mr Prime Minister, this is not the language and direction of a successful multi-cultural country.  To allow these statements to linger without apology, without response, without censure, suggests that this is your governments official position on these matters.

We do not believe that acceptance of Lebanese, Muslim, or Lebanese Muslim people into Australia is, to quote Mr. Dutton, a mistake.  We do not believe that it is acceptable to single out entire communities and ethnicities as being problematic, of being criminals, of being terrorists.  We think it reprehensible to turn this focus onto multiple generations, and onto children.

Mr Prime Minister, we implore you to set a higher bar for your party and your government by publicly denouncing these statements.