Debate about revised wording for a Council’s Acknowledgement of Country has become controversial, with some councillors’ comments labelled as offensive.
ABC News has reported on the events at Bunbury City Council in Western Australia, where new wording was ultimately approved but with three councillors voting against.
The contention centered on the insertion of words that pay respect to all members of Aboriginal communities and their cultures.
Cr Betty McCleary said she couldn’t show that respect as not everybody in the community is pure. She later said that while she could have chosen her words better, she could not respect the murderers, peadophiles or domestic violence offenders of any culture.
A human rights lawyer and academic from Curtin Law School told the ABC the comments were very offensive, insinuating that aboriginal people are dishonest.
Another councillor, Michelle Steck, chose to oppose the statement because of the words noting the continuing connection of traditional owners to land and waters.
Source: ABC News