Peter Dutton's white South African farmers resettlement gaining momentum
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has caused a diplomatic row with South Africa after declaring white farmers in the country were facing "horrific circumstances" and needed protection from a "civilised country".
Farm violence in South Africa is a racially charged and sensitive political issue, particularly given the Government's push to seize land from farmers without compensation.
abc.net.au
South Africa rages at Australia visa plan for ‘persecuted’ white farmers
The foreign ministry demands a retraction
South Africa summoned Australia’s envoy to Pretoria Thursday to explain comments by a Canberra minister who suggested "persecuted" white farmers in the country should be offered fast-tracked humanitarian visas.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, who has drawn criticism for cracking down on asylum seekers from Asia and the Middle East, said white farmers could be admitted as refugees.
Dutton made the offer in response to Pretoria’s vow to enact land "expropriation without compensation" to redress land confiscation of the colonial and apartheid era.
According to police, 74 farmers were murdered between 2016 and 2017 in South Africa, which has one of the world’s highest crime rates.
South Africa demands Australian minister retract white farmer comments
Pretoria hauled in Canberra’s High Commissioner for a diplomatic ticking off over Dutton’s remarks, which also included a description of white farmers facing “horrific circumstances” - a characterisation South Africa has rejected.
“The South African government is offended by the statements which have been attributed to the Australian Home Affairs Minister and a full retraction is expected,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
JUSTICE & SAFETY
#PeterDutton reiterates desire to save 'persecuted' white SA farmers
Sydney - Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has doubled down on his comment about "persecuted" white farmers from South Africa and his desire to bring them to "a civilised country like ours."
Dutton first gained attraction after he said on Wednesday evening the white farmers deserve "special attention" because they face violence and land seizures.
"I think… we do need to look at the persecution that's taking place," he said.