Waverley Council signals opposition to changes to Discrimination Act

Waverley Council has confirmed its opposition to the Federal Government’s exposure draft of amendments to the Racial Discrimination Act.
The council resolved to write to the Federal Member for Wentworth Malcolm Turnbull to state its concern over the repeal of section 18C, which will see the removal of the words “offend, insult, humiliate and intimidate” from the act.
Despite overwhelming support, the motion did not pass without conflict. The original motion, moved by Councillor John Wakefield, contained a clause which expressly requested “the Federal Attorney General to withdraw the exposure draft of the amendment to the Racial Discrimination Act.”
This was removed from later amendments.
Cr Wakefield said he was “disappointed’’ by the outcome.
“I would have liked to have seen council stand up for what they believe in and inform the minister more forcefully.”
Cr Wakefield accused the Liberals in council of “watering down and narrowing” the motion by restricting it to the recommendations made the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
“The original motion was more wide ranging and encompassed open opposition across broad ethnic groups.”
He said the Liberals in council, including Mayor Sally Betts, allowed the motion to be “grabbed and corrupted” before he had arrived at the council meeting on May 20 to explain it.
Cr Leon Goltsman, who supports the amendments, denies they have watered down Cr Wakefield’s original submission.
“If the council thought it was watered down council would have voted against the amendment,” Cr Goltsman said.
“The fact is, the majority of council voted for the amendments.
“The Executive Council of Australian Jewry are experts and professionals who have put a great deal of wisdom and expertise into their response to the legislation.
“The amendments have taken the recommendations made by these experts and professionals and have handed them directly to Mr Turnbull.”