Hmm, I wonder how many Aussies agree with the inflammatory statements made by this Member of Parliament?
MP TERESA GAMBARO SORRY FOR SAYING MIGRANTS DON’T KNOW HOW TO WEAR DEODORANT
By Jessica Marszalek
Herald Sun
January 11, 2012
A LIBERAL MP who said migrants should learn how to use deodorant has been reprimanded by her party and ordered to apologize.
Opposition citizenship spokeswoman Teresa Gambaro said lessons on hygiene and common courtesy would make immigrants fit in better in Australia.
Acting Opposition Leader Warren Truss said Ms Gambaro had been left in no doubt she was out of line.
"She obviously went too far in her comments and they're certainly out of step with modern Australian attitudes," he said.
While declining to say who doled out the discipline, Mr Truss said: "Certainly she's been made aware that the comments were inappropriate. They weren't in line with Coalition policy and she's acknowledged that."
Ms Gambaro had said new arrivals should be taught to use deodorant on public transport and not push in when queuing, as well as other lessons like the importance of immunization.
"Without trying to be offensive, we are talking about hygiene and what is an acceptable norm in this country," she said in an interview with The Australian.
The comments sparked a tirade of community anger, followed by a statement in which Ms Gambaro said the comments were "taken out of context".
But she admitted they were inappropriate and did not reflect Coalition policy, and apologized for any offence caused.
Migration groups said the comments were offensive, pointing out that migrants on 457 visas were skilled professionals such as managers, engineers and accountants.
Ms Gambaro's comments caused a backlash on Twitter, with most users saying the remarks "stank".
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the comments were ridiculous in any context and better suited to the 1950s.
"These are a gross stereotyping of migrants," he said.
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