MEDIA RELEASE

Burqa Used to Defame Police

Friday, 9th July 2010

The Rev Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has raised concern that cultural clothing from the Middle East is being used for political purposes in NSW, the latest case bringing the NSW Police Force into discredit.

Rev Nile raised the issue during question time in the NSW Upper House after a Police officer was recently referred to the Anti-Discrimination Board for requesting female driver Ms Karnita Mathews, to pull over, take a breath test and remove her burqa to identify herself. Ms Mathews alleges the Officer assaulted her in an attempted to forcefully remove the garment.

An onboard camera in the Officer's patrol car apparently shows those allegations to be false.

Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile: I ask the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Police, a question without notice.

• Is it a fact that two weeks ago a New South Wales police officer stopped a vehicle in the western suburbs being driven by a woman wearing the full-face covering burqa who would not allow him to identify her from the photograph on her car licence?

• Is it a fact that the woman would not cooperate and has now made a complaint, accusing the police officer of harassment?

• What is the outcome of this case?

• Has the woman's complaint been proved to be vexatious and false?

The Hon. Eric Roozendaal: I thank the member for his question, which I will refer to the Minister for Police.