This story was first published on April 9, 2013
Outline
Circulating message claims that Anzac Day badges were not sold at Mt. Warren Shopping Centre because the owner of the centre is from the Middle East and he refused permission for businesses in the complex to sell the badges.
Brief Analysis
The claims in the message are inflammatory and racist nonsense. No such ban was implemented at Mt. Warren Park Shopping Centre. Coles and Centre Management have denied any knowledge of such an incident. Nor are there any credible news or media reports that in any way confirm the claims in the message. The message is generally tacked on to a widely circulated diatribe that is falsely attributed to conservative political leader Bob Katter. So, the message is a lie within a lie. Spreading such misinformation serves only to generate hatred and resentment against some sectors of the Australian community. Passing on dangerous and divisive lies of this nature is irresponsible and ultimately un-Australian.
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