Adam Goodes of the Sydney Swans. Photo / Getty
An Australian MP has called on the AFL to consider introducing haka-style indigenous routines before every game as a way of reducing racist behaviour.
Fiona Patten, leader of the Australian Sex Party, said while the league should be praised for its past initiatives, the current controversy surrounding Adam Goodes demanded
action from "left-field."
"We formally acknowledge the traditional owners of a place at a wide range of social functions, even the opening of parliaments, so why not extend this developing tradition to sport?" she said on Friday.
"The whole issue gathered around Adam Goodes has only come about following his war dance. I think that if AFL teams were to be allowed to develop these short routines before a game then spectators would become more tolerant."
The upper house MP said Australia should learn from New Zealand's haka, a theatrical show of strength by all players in respect to Maori people.
