Liam McNally
Melton council has opted not to establish an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee that was requested in a February petition to council.
At the February 27 council meeting, a public petition with 20 signatories was submitted by Rainbow Local Government requesting council establish an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee.
Rainbow Local Government is co-ordinated by the Victorian Pride Lobby and describes itself as a campaign to “support and promote the efforts of local governments to foster a culture that is inclusive, responsive and accessible to LGBTIQA+ Victorians”.
Council responded to the petition at a meeting on Monday, June 26. Council officers recommended renaming the existing intercultural advisory committee to inclusive cities advisory committee, and divide it into two working groups – with one focused on culturally diverse communities and one for LGBTIQA+ communities.
The recommended motion failed, with councillor Bob Turner opposing on the grounds that he didn’t want an existing advisory committee “watered down” with different responsibilities, while Cr Kathy Majdlik said she had “major concerns” about the way the petition came to council.
“The main element to consider is that [Rainbow Local Government] is an external lobby group that has sent out a blanket email to its members in Victoria in hope of establishing an advisory committee group so they can have influence on this council,” she said.
“I would say to the 20 people that signed the petition there are many ways in which to provide your feedback to this council. We seek your feedback and value it greatly…”
Cr Majdlik moved an alternate motion that would not alter the functioning of the intercultural advisory committee, and also prevent council from introducing any new advisory or working groups for the remainder of the council term unless any current committees of council are disbanded.
Victorian Pride Lobby co-convenor Austin Fabry-Jenkins called the decision to block the introduction of more advisory groups until the end of the council term “profoundly undemocratic”.
“Melton locals aren’t interested in culture wars. They just want a safe and inclusive community. Safety and inclusion are things Melton councillors should be actively and proudly supporting – after all, that’s their job.”
