Aust: Politicians should stop meddling in riots

Iemma and Debnam should stop meddling in riots and let police do their job

"The NSW Opposition Leader, Premier and Police Commissioner should stop trying to make political mileage out of the Cronulla riot investigations and leave the NSW Police alone to get on with the job", said Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today.

"Premier Morris Iemma and Opposition Leader Peter Debnam should leave the police alone to pursue these complex investigations, not try boost their political careers by meddling in police affairs," Ms Rhiannon said.

"I am concerned that the new head of Strike Force Enoggera, Detective
Superintendent Ken McKay has criticised Arabic community leaders for allegedly failing to assist with investigations.

"It seems the major parties' interest in whipping up a raced based law and order crisis may be rubbing off on the new head.

"Investigations into the Cronulla riots and subsequent revenge attacks are complex and having Debnam and Iemma call the shots from the sidelines will only serve to frustrate investigations.

"MPs and the Police Commissioner should stop using the media to beat up public hysteria.

"Leaders of the major parties would be better directing their energies to designing policies and programs that address the complex underlying causes of these riots, like unemployment and dislocation.

"It is important that justice is served and that those involved in the riots are appropriately dealt with.

"Making the riots a political football is not the answer," said Ms Rhiannon.

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