ISSUE NOT COUNCIL’S

THERE is no place for discrimination of any kind in our society and coming from a migrant background, I have a fair understanding of racism.

My parents worked hard to become proud Australians and my sisters and I were taught that education was the first defence against racism.

My family has a diversity of background from many cultures that make up our world and my husband was one of the first in this country to develop and set up migrant resource centres to help combat discrimination and racism.

Therefore, the comments I make are not that I wish to stifle debate on racism or discrimination but in frustration that there are times when Town of Bassendean councillors bring up matters that are not the business of local government.

I thought it highly irregular when at the last council meeting a councillor was able to move a motion that called on the Federal Attorney-General to withdraw the Draft Exposure Amendment to the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975.

This is not the business of local government.

I was under the impression that local governments are responsible for such things as maintaining and monitoring parks, gardens, sports grounds, footpaths, drains, local street signs, lighting, libraries, the management of rubbish, waste and some environmental matters, town planning and finally collecting rates.

Perhaps if all in our Town was working so well and there were never complaints, then there might be time to take on issues outside the business of local government.

We are privileged that in this country, as private citizens, we are able to debate and protest against issues of discrimination and we can certainly let politicians know our views.

However, I believe this should not be happening inside a local government chamber, instigated by councillors.

If Bassendean council still feels it should by acting on matters outside local government, then why stop there.

The plight of the elderly under the disgraceful Abbott/Hockey budget needs a champion or protest about the politicians’ massive pay rise while others in the workforce have to fight for crumbs… I could go on.

Before venturing into such uncharted waters, councillors need to ask ratepayers if this is what they want of their councillors.

ANGIE PIANTADOSI,

Eden Hill