Andrew J. Philips, National Chairman of the Australian Protectionist Party, recently agreed to be interviewed by George Whale of the British Freedom Party. Below is the full text of the interview.

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THE PARTY

GW: Andrew, thanks for agreeing to speak to British Freedom. Can I ask first, when and why was APP — the Australian Protectionist Party — first formed?

AJP: The Protectionist Party was formed in September 2007 to meet the need in the political arena for a sensible, moderate but uncompromising nationalist party. There is a massive void in Australian politics with the concerns of everyday Australians being ignored by major and minor parties alike. Primary producers, blue collar workers and small businesses are ignored in favour of special interest groups and multinational businesses — APP seeks to redress this imbalance before it is too late.

In a sentence, what does APP stand for?

APP stands for the protection of national sovereignty, traditional values and identity.

Why ‘protectionist’? Do you want to cut yourselves off from the rest of the world?

Not at all, one can protect one’s national interest without having to isolate oneself from the rest of the world. International affairs should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect for each others’ identity. In regards to international trade, Protectionists reject the dogma of globalisation. The workers of the developed, First World economies cannot hope to compete with produce coming from the Third World or developing economies which rely upon cheap labour — often using children or prison labour to produce their products. Furthermore, our businesses are bound by government regulations which govern impact on the environment, the conditions under which employees can work and a raft of other entitlements not found in countries such as China. When faced with such ‘competition’, our producers have two options — fold or move their operations overseas.

What are the party’s main policies?

APP has a number of core policies or political positions which all members must support. Outside of those policies, local branches are free to address local issues within the framework of a social protectionist position. The issues confronting members in inner Sydney are completely different to the issues affecting those of us in regional Australia.

1. Protect our environment

Save Australia from the ravages of over-population, which is causing environmental ruin, and instead create a sustainable future for our land. Introduce measures to develop ecological sustainability. Immigration must be reduced until the completion of scientific research that will determine the ‘environmental footprint’ of our population.

The Great Barrier Reef

2. Protect our families

Establish pro-family measures. Institute financial relief for families, enabled by schemes such as taxation ‘income splitting’ for couples with children. No adoption of children by homosexuals, and no government funding for homosexual groups. Make education costs for children tax deductible.

3. Protect our freedoms

Defend our democracy by removing laws that inhibit freedom of speech on social and political issues, and create further measures to protect our civil liberties, such as strengthening the right to trial by jury. Ensure more democracy in public affairs by establishing Citizens’ Initiated Referenda, whereby ordinary citizens can initiate a referendum on policies, thus giving government back to the people.

4. Protect our jobs and industries

Institute tariff barriers against cheap foreign imports to encourage the survival, rebuilding, and emergence of local manufacturing industries. Institute a national ‘buy back Australia’ policy for companies, public assets, and resources. Forge a national apprenticeship programme with incentives for certain industries and country centres. No use of contracted foreign labour.

5. Protect our people

Implement a zero-net immigration policy, on a ‘one in, one out’ basis. To have sensible immigration programmes that will be geared towards accepting into our country only those people who will readily fit into our society, primarily from traditional sources such as Europe and Britain. To seek a homogeneous society where we can all live in harmony, free from the ethnic and racial strife caused by social engineering experiments. End Third World immigration and Muslim immigration, and offer economic assistance to those who wish to be reunited with their people’s homeland.

6. Protect our rural communities

Increase rural sustainability. Harness technological resources to enable a higher rate of decentralisation of government departments to regional centres. Implement sensible trade structures that will stop cheap foreign imports from destroying the viability of Australian farms. No weakening of quarantine regulations to appease international agreements.

Australian sheep farmer

7. Protect our way of life

End the destructive effects of Multiculturalism and Political Correctness. Teach our students about the achievements and values of Australian society and of Western Civilisation. Immerse our youth in the traditions of the Australian national identity and culture. Enable criticism and challenging of ideas in the classroom, but without having a ‘black armband’ view of history deliberately being pushed by teachers as a form of political activism. End government funding for the political ideology of Multiculturalism.

What’s your own background?

My background? Well in a professional sense I’m employed in a managerial role in the retail sector while working part-time on my own property in the primary industry sector. Politically? While always having been motivated by a sense of patriotism in political activities, I found as time went by my leanings became increasingly conservative — by conservative I mean in the sense used by Roger Scruton, not a pseudo-conservative pushing the ideology of globalisation and the dogma of economic rationalism which has endangered the economic sovereignty of nations around the world.

What reactions are you getting from the public?

Quite good. The quality of membership has been most encouraging — everyday concerned Aussies coming forward realising there is finally a movement willing to speak out for the national interest without pandering to extremist elements. There was some initial concern in some regional communities relating to the name ‘protectionist’, but once you take time to explain the philosophy behind social protectionism they realise it has nothing to do with isolationism.

Are your supporters mainly working class, middle class or a mixture of both? Do they tend to be urban or rural?

Sydney Opera House and Harbour

We’ve had a great mix of people coming to the Party from both urban and regional areas. This is a testimony to the wisdom of taking a relatively politically central position. We are not interested in tying ourselves to a political dogma but examine all policy positions on one single criterion — Is it in the national interest? If the socialists in the Labor Party come forward with a policy position which will ensure our elderly improve their standard of living, we will support it. If the Coalition propose a position which will ensure the continuation of our farming sector or relieve the tax burden upon small businesses or families, we will give them credit where it is due. For too long, Australians have been short changed by politicians more interested in their progress within the party than the effect of policy upon their constituents.

The manifesto on your website www.protectionist.net uses the Aussie term ‘fair go’ – what does that mean exactly?

Australia is a country with immense resources and opportunity; however, due to government policies and an almost perverse obsession with tying us to all and any international agreement put before it, Australians are finding themselves without a voice. Australians cannot deny entry of imported foods which can destroy local industry through disease, we cannot question immigration policy, we cannot refuse the takeover of local farmland by foreign investors — the myriad of Free Trade Agreements and UN treaties leaves the population of this country fighting to maintain some semblance of national sovereignty with one hand behind their backs. What we are asking for is exactly the same rights we believe all people of the world are entitled to. The right to self-determination and national sovereignty.

AUSTRALIA

I’ve never been to Australia – is it anything like Neighbours and Home and Away?

No, our lives are nowhere near as facile!

What do you most love about your country?

Personally, I think the one thing I most love is probably the one thing I most hate too — that is the easy going sense with which Australians approach life. While it has been a trait which has made Australians a distinct people, it has also made us our own worst enemy. In a geographic sense, I love the diversity of the continent — there are not too many countries one can visit where you can go from desert to rainforest and Mediterranean climate to snow. It’s a land of opportunity and needs to be protected in every sense for future generations.

What makes you proud to be an Australian?

I think it’s the sense of community one finds amongst Aussies. It’s the strange paradox you find amongst a people who seem fiercely independent or individual, but in times of crisis most Aussies are there for each other. Identity is a most understated thing!

If someone from the UK was visiting for the first time, what places and activities would you recommend?

Well, all people have different interests. As a country barely 200 odd years old there is only so much of historical interest compared to the UK. Personally, I would recommend Canberra with the War Memorial and other sites of national interest. If you’re into quaffing the wines you can’t go past my state of South Australia. We have some of the best beaches in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers’ Rock — even kicking your feet up on a houseboat on the Murray living on BBQs is a great way to unwind! For those wanting something really different you can even try a farm-stay or help out on an outback muster if you’re over at the right time.

Ayers’ Rock

DOMESTIC ISSUES

What are the main political parties there? Are Australians satisfied with their politicians?

The main parties here are the Labor Party and the Liberal Party — both of which seem to suffer from an acute identity crisis. The Greens have also made a large in-road though many Australians have begun to realise this is more through deception than public appeal. I don’t feel Australians are particularly satisfied with their politicians and believe the flirtation with independents is a symptom of this. Recent polls have indicated the above three parties are only holding 87% of the vote — this indicates an opportunity ahead for other parties to make progress.

What’s in the news at the moment?

The plans for the US to station troops in the north of our country and the disapproval expressed by both Indonesia and China, the proposed regional Free Trade Agreement for the Asia Pacific region and, as always, the never ending boat arrivals pouring their cargo into our processing resorts.

What would you say are the main threats facing your country?

Poor border control and immigration from unassimilable cultures, so-called free trade agreements and political ignorance.

Is mass immigration as big an issue as it is here in the UK?

Probably not on such a great scale, but due to our relatively small population it is quite noticable. The issue here is the fact we are the driest continent on earth, we have minimal arable land and most experts already say we are past our maximum capacity in regards to population. However, we have rabid globalists such as those one finds in the HR Nicholls Society declaring a vision of tens of millions in the Port Philip Bay area alone! Let’s face it, if massive population equated to wealth and a high standard of living, India and China would be paradise!

Am I right in saying that your party would prioritise immigrants of European origin?

Indeed. We have a common culture and values — multiculturalism has been a terrible failure around the world and the tragic effect upon host populations is rarely told.

How big a problem is Islamisation?

It is an issue, although perhaps not as advanced as one sees in some parts of the UK or Europe. There are enclaves in many Australian cities and we are finding that as their numbers grow, they have become increasingly belligerent and demanding. There have been attacks upon non-Muslims here, gang rapes of young Australian women, demands for increased political representation (they have even formed their own political party) and the introduction of Shariah banking.

What’s the APP’s position on Aboriginals?

Aboriginal painting

We recognise that multiculturalism and increased immigration merely puts the indigenous population at further disadvantage. We have indigenous Australians amongst our membership and welcome their input into policy development. We believe that for too long, aboriginal policy has been dictated by bureaucrats with no connection nor understanding of indigenous culture. In some sectors of indigenous society, there is even disagreement as to what defines an aboriginal and what entitlements under tribal law some people have. Given this situation, under what circumstances can a politician in Canberra even begin to think he or she can be in a position to tell indigenous communities what the solution to their problems might be? The first step is dialogue and co-operation once indigenous Australians have decided what it is they need and want.

Are environmental issues important for your party? I would guess that climate change has serious implications for water supply.

Living on a continent such as ours water and the environment are always of paramount concern, whether one believes in ‘man made’ climate change or not. Australian Protectionists realise we live in a fragile environment and have concerns regarding over-population, support the concept of decentralisation of population and government services and fully support further exploration of sensible alternative fuel sources such as the geothermal ‘hot rocks’ projects in the outback.

And where do you stand on the republic versus monarchy debate? Would you remove the Union Flag from the flag of Australia?

Australian national flag

Within the Party, this is considered a conscience issue. We have supporters of the Constitutional Monarchy and the idea of a republic; however, we all realise this is not a major issue confronting the nation and I am yet to meet anyone with an overwhelming desire to change our nation’s flag! My personal position is one of continued support for our traditional ties with Britain.

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

How are Australia’s relationships with neighbouring countries?

Depends on how we are faring in the Tri-nations Rugby! If you’re asking about the region to our north, as stated earlier it is somewhat strained following Obama’s visit to our shores and the declaration of US troops to be stationed here. China and Indonesia seem to have taken a degree of offence at the idea — not that 2500 marines are going to be able to hold back the might of the ‘People’s Army’, despite the best of intentions! In regards to the Pacific, we seem to have cordial relations but I believe this will deteriorate once the Free Trade Agreement is implemented as the Pacific nations will suffer most.

Would you favour closer links with the UK?

Of course, we have cultural and ancestral links with the UK. We owe many of our institutions to our British forefathers, there should be the opportunity to strengthen ties amongst the former ‘Dominions’ without the constant bleating from republicans that we “need to cut the apron strings”. It’s a facile and demeaning way to look at the relationship.

What do you think of our Prime Minister David Cameron?

He presents well and puts forward his arguments in a clear and concise way — is that diplomatic enough?

Australia’s a long way from here. Do you think that there are practical ways that patriots in the UK and Oz can help and support each other?

Of course, the problems facing the West are worldwide. I would like to see more interaction, advice and discussion of issues and information amongst sensible patriots. APP seeks to strengthen ties between like-minded parties not only in Britain and Europe but around the world. We are also looking at ways to sponsor speaking tours to our country in order to get the message out to Australians of the threats facing our communities.

AUSSIES

Do Australians generally have a clear sense of national identity?

Australia’s sense of identity is quite understated — as one would expect from a country with a relatively short history. There is a national sense that ties us together, a respect for our past and history — but it is nothing like the jingoistic patriotism one finds in other parts of the world.

Do young people know their own history and culture?

Up to my generation I would have said an emphatic yes to that question. Nowadays, the education system seems to be undermining all sense of nationhood or natural affinity to one’s own community. To go into the classroom now is to be confronted with the push to be a ‘good global citizen’ and secondary schools make no attempt to hide their distaste for our British/ European heritage. Early settlers are maligned and degraded — little wonder our youth often have little respect for their own nation or identity. On the upside, there does appear to be a healthy youthful rebellion against the PC brigade which is backed up by the many young people who join movements and parties such as ours.

Who are your national heroes?

Sadly enough many Australians would leap to naming some sporting identity as a ‘national hero’. While not wanting to down-grade their abilities, I don’t believe sporting prowess makes one a hero — regardless of how good you are. For my part, I admire statesmen such as Sir Thomas Playford and John Curtin but there are many Australians who selflessly give to their community, either in the theatre of armed conflict or by giving up their time in community service, who are never acknowledged — I believe these people are more deserving of the title.

Do people still have an affinity for ‘the old country’?

Despite the best efforts of the education system and media, I believe many do, as we saw during the recent visit by Queen Elizabeth, culminating with the massive event in Perth attended by over 100 000 people. Anyway, isn’t a working holiday in the UK and partying in Earl’s Court a right of passage, lol?

What’s life like for the average Australian family?

Compared to some parts of the world, relatively good — but like all families we are faced with rising costs, often due to privatisation and sell-out to foreign companies and also the concern regarding job losses due to cheap imports.

Do you think that your countrymen are happy? What are people’s top 3 worries right now?

I think the blissful slumber in which Australians have been engaged is coming to an end. People are increasingly becoming active and questioning the events affecting the future of our nation. Food security is a major issue (foreign takeovers, water issues, cheap imports and urban expansion over farmland), unassimilable immigration and the waste of resources on illegals is also a subject often discussed.

Is Christianity still important? Traditional values? Family?

There seems to be a growing awareness of the worth of traditional values and the role of the traditional family, despite the best efforts of teachers and gutter columnists to portray anything remotely traditional as being ‘antiquated’. There is a big debate here regarding the issue of homosexual marriage and I sense a growing backlash against the proposal. In regards to Christianity, while many appreciate the society and institutions given to us by our heritage Australia isn’t an overtly religious society.

Ex-pat Australian Kylie Minogue

Many famous Australians have settled here in the UK. We want to keep Kylie but isn’t it time you took Germaine Greer back? We’ve suffered long enough.

No, who would you have to replace her in Grumpy Old Women?

And can you explain why Shane Warne has recently turned into a big girl’s blouse?

You’d have to ask Liz Hurley on that one — apparently love does strange things to some blokes…

Former cricket international Shane Warne with Elizabeth Hurley

THE FUTURE

Are you optimistic for the future of your country, for your children and grandchildren?

I am relatively optimistic, but I am concerned we are running out of time to turn things around. People are starting to express concerns about the nation’s future, but generations of voting habits are hard to break. If you keep voting in the same people with the same policies, you’re going to get more of the same. Isn’t that the first sign of mental instability, doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result?

What are APP’s short- and long-term goals?

Well, short-term goals are to increase the activism and recruiting of our branches and to find more candidates for the next election. We are also in the process of building increased co-operation with like-minded parties. We have a continuing campaign of educating people about our concerns via web activity, letter-boxing and getting media releases and letters to the editor printed in papers around the country. We have also had numerous successful public demonstrations. Long-term goal? Getting members into the Senate to stymie the passing of any laws against the national interest.

If any APP members are planning to come to the UK, can you make sure they give us a call so that we can buy them a warm English beer?

You can count on it, although I have sampled many beers on trips to the UK and have yet to encounter this fabled ‘warm beer’!

In that case, I look forward to buying you a cold one Andrew. Thanks again for agreeing to talk to British Freedom.

You’re welcome.

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