Is it true that the Klu Klux Klan is active in Australia

asks PDTV:

A. There's evidence that white supremacist groups are conducting hate campaigns against aborigines in some provincial towns. As a result, Queensland and Victoria are introducing laws to stop racist threats. Queensland's Labour premier, Peter Beattie, said: 'It is a clear statement - both to the small minority of violent racists, and to overseas observers concerned about recent racism in Australia - that this type of damaging behaviour has no place in our community.'

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Q. Who is making the threats

A. Extreme right-wing groups, including some linked to the American Ku Klux Klan. For example, a 51-year-old man in a town 450 miles north of Sydney is facing charges of making racist statements and carrying offensive weapons while wearing a Ku Klux Klan-style outfit. There are other US-based groups causing problems, too.

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Q. Such as

A. The World Church of the Creator, a white power movement. Its Australian branch put stickers saying 'White Race Awake - White People Unite' on buildings that belong to aboriginal groups in a town 400 miles north of Brisbane.

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Q. Why is this becoming a problem in Australia's rural areas

A. There has been a resurfacing of race politics in Australia since the political comeback of Pauline Hanson and her One Nation party in recent state elections. However, analysts believe that her popularity in rural areas is due to more to the fall-out of globalisation on these communities than racist resentment.

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Q. How has globalisation affected them

A. People in poor country towns and fringe suburbs feel that they have been left behind by the 1990s wave of economic reforms, which only seem to have benefited those in the cities. The massive loss of jobs means that many more people are working part-time or on a casual basis, and family farms are closing down at a fast rate. As a result, it's estimated that 20-30% of Australian voters have now moved away from the major parties, towards One Nation, Green party and other independents.

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By Sheena Miller

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