NTEU statement regarding Christchurch tragedy

NTEU sends its deepest sympathies to all New Zealanders, to those New Zealanders who are Muslim, and our most heartfelt sympathy to those who lost family. 
There is no hiding from Australia’s role in this tragedy. We must own it. It comes after more than a decade of race baiting and hatred from elements among those in political office, self-aggrandising commentators and media proprietors.
If this tragedy had happened in Australia our Prime Minister would not have honestly been able to say: "You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you" because he and other politicians in this country have set in train and encouraged the development of hatred by using Muslim immigration as a political tool.
We must all reject the politics of fear and hatred, whether direct or dog whistled, that provides an environment where extremism flourishes.
Our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives, and to their communities.  And to Australians who are Muslims we stand with you and commit to playing a role in fighting Islamophobia. More...