28 January 2000

Olympic torch relay announcement slammed by councillor Ngo

While congratulating the 16 successful Fairfield candidates for the Olympic Torch Relay announced this week, Councillor Thang Ngo has slammed the selection committee decision because it does not represent the cultural diversity of Fairfield.

Of the 16 successful candidates, not one comes from Cabramatta and not one is an Asian-Australian.

"This is ridiculous given Fairfield is Australia’s most culturally diverse local government area where over 53% of residents come from non-English speaking background" said Cr Ngo.

And the Relay will actually pass through Fairfield and the Main Street of Cabramatta"

Cr Ngo believes this is completely at odds with the principal aim of the Relay, which is to unite all Australians.

"Instead, it's further creating the impression that there are two classes of Australians – one that reaps all the glory, while the other like residents of Cabramatta are swept under the carpet and are continually crucified by the media" said Cr Ngo.

"The Olympic Torch Relay Selection Committee’s decision is disappointing and I will move in Council that we protest in the strongest possible way" concluded Cr Ngo.

ENDS