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Racism claims off the planet, says Beattie

By Greg Stolz

25 May 2002 -QUEENSLANDERS have been branded racist in the latest edition of travellers' bible, the Lonely Planet.

The description, published as Brisbane is about to host one of the world's biggest international tourism trade shows, has angered state political, tourism and ethnic leaders.

The Lonely Planet's guide to Queensland is bought by tens of thousands of visitors.

In a section headed Facts for the Visitors: Dangers and Annoyances, the book's authors contend that "many Queenslanders are vocal in their negative opinions of indigenous Australians and non-white travellers may find themselves targeted for the same kind of racial abuse".

"Mostly, it's low-level stuff but travellers have reported threats of violence in some areas," the guide says. "If you feel threatened in a rural pub, walk away and spend your tourist dollars somewhere more deserving."

The section also says the Gold Coast is notorious for car break-ins and Cairns has a reputation for theft from hostels.

The latest edition has been published as Queensland prepares to host more than 650 overseas travel agents at the $2 billion Australian Tourism Exchange which is due to start in Brisbane this weekend.

Premier Peter Beattie said the racist references were "a load of bull" and called on Lonely Planet to delete them.

"I mean, Queenslanders are the most tolerant people on the planet and Lonely Planet should update its entry," he said.

"We're a multicultural society and we believe in a fair go for everyone. We respect their rights whether black, white, green or indifferent."

Tourism Queensland chairman Terry Jackman said the claim was "staggering" and backed Mr Beattie's call for a retraction.

Ethnic Communities Council chairman Serge Voloschenko said Lonely Planet had made a "sweeping generalisation" and Queensland did not deserve that type of tag.

Anna Bolger, marketing and communications manager for Melbourne-based Lonely Planet which publishes almost 700 titles, said she believed Queensland was the only state singled out for comment concerning racism.

"I can't see any mention of it in the NSW or Victorian guides," Ms Bolger said.

Asked if Queenslanders might find it offensive, she replied: "Well, I guess they could take offence to it but it also could be true in some cases."

Ms Bolger said the 516-page guide had been written by four people from Sydney, Melbourne, England and Cyprus.

This article appeared in The Courier Mail

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