Following a marathon council meeting last night, Alderman Helen Burnet is upbeat about the role local government can play in the community.
“I was very pleased to have the support of all bar one of my colleagues in passing a motion to write to Attorney-General Senator George Brandis to request that he doesn’t repeal Section 18C of the RDA 1975,” says Alderman Burnet.
“This is reflective of the community who do not want bigotry to be allowed for the supposed sake of freedom of speech. It is also consistent with our approach as a council, evinced by our embracing inclusive strategies such as the ‘Racism. It stops with me.’ campaign earlier this year.”
“There was some initial resistance to the motion from aldermen who thought this was a federal matter and outside the purview of local government. I argued strongly that as the government body closest to the grassroots level, it was our duty to stand up to the Attorney General to say this policy would have a damaging effect on our community.”
“I thank those members of the public who have provided support for my position. This is a strong message from a capital city and makes us one of over sixty councils across Australia so far making the voices of our communities heard.”
Alderman Burnet is also pleased to announce that her motion in support of Hobart’s science sector passed unanimously.
“Hobart has the largest number of scientists per capita in any Australian city, and the contribution the science sector makes in enormous. Not only do our scientists bring intellectual prestige to Hobart, they as individuals make a huge social and economic contribution to our community.”
The federal government budget cuts will be significant and will not only affect Hobart’s standing as a scientific hub, but the loss of jobs will cause many of our scientists to find work interstate or abroad, and provide less incentive for UTAS students to remain here once they have graduated.”
“Any diminution to funding could easily reduce the critical mass of research and development in the area of climate change and ocean studies, the institutions IMAS, UTAS and AAD included.”
“The economic consequences are stark, and it is very pleasing to think that the Hobart aldermen are willing to support my motion and be heard as leaders of our community in relation to this important part of our community and economy.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the support of people including former CSIRO scientists Dr Trevor McDougall and Dr Stuart Godfrey as well as those CSIRO scientists who could not speak out.”
The council will send a delegation to Tasmanian Senator and Employment Minister. Eric Abetz as Employment Minister, and there will be opportunity for other MPs to be approached.
Alderman Burnet points out that both issues are as much local government as federal ones. “These are both issues that directly affect our community directly, and it is our duty to provide a voice for them.”
Allderman Helen Burnet, HCC
