Liberal Basil Fawlty Bans Americans Michael Danby - Opposition Whip

Media Statement - 20 March 2003

Captain Adrian Jackson (retired), proprietor of a Middle Park bed and breakfast and president of the St Kilda Branch of the Liberal Party, has banned Americans and Israelis from his establishment in protest of the war in Iraq, said Mr Michael Danby, Federal Member for Melbourne Ports (which covers Middle Park and St Kilda.)

Captain Jackson's Branch of the Liberal Party has also passed a motion condemning the war, and calling on Mr Howard to bring Australian troops home.

"This may be a desperate attempt by Captain Jackson to attract business" says Mr Danby. "If he operates his business like he operates in politics, then it would be like staying with Basil Fawlty. Except, this time it would be the guests saying ‘Don't mention the war'," Danby said.

The Equal Opportunity Commissioner has said that "it is against the law to deny accommodation to anyone on the basis of race or nationality", but Mr Danby said this was taking Captain Jackson too seriously, "I can't imagine Americans, Israelis, or for that matter anyone else would wanting to stay with Captain Jackson!"