The motion was brought to Council by Cr Michael Graham, who represents the Libertarian Party.

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For the first time, three members of the Libertarian Party were elected to MidCoast Council in the 2024 local government elections.

Number one on the Libertarian ticket was Cr Graham.

The Libertarian Party’s 2024 Local Council Manifesto was headed “Take a Chainsaw to Woke BS”.

“We oppose the incessant ‘welcome to country’ ceremonies and the trite ‘acknowledgment of country’ recitation that is foisted on you wherever you go,” the manifesto read.

Before a packed public gallery, Cr Graham put forward the following motion to Council at its 5 February meeting.

“That Council discontinues the practice of a ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ at all future Council Meetings and all other Council constituted meetings as well as all communications including emails.”

Speaking in support of his motion, Cr Graham suggested that the present practice was irrelevant, divisive, unjust, a challenge to Australia’s Christian heritage, and an infringement of individual freedoms.

“It (the Welcome) creates division and political correctness and should be discontinued,” he said

“People don’t want this rubbish.”.

The motion was met with strong opposition, particularly from the Indigenous community.

“Is focusing on cultural wars the best thinking that Cr Graham can offer to residents of the MidCoast Council area which he serves?” said Worimi Guringai Elder Aunty Liz McEntyre.

“Equally, what does this motion have to do with the priorities, values, strengths and wellbeing of our community, and does this motion reflect what is needed for our community to thrive now, and for the future?

“As a Worimi Guringai Elder, and ratepayer, perhaps Cr Graham could enlighten me with his plan for the future living together with Aboriginal peoples well placed on Guringai, Biripi and Worimi lands.”

Several Councillors spoke against the motion.

“We should walk together into the future and there is nothing divisive about it (the Welcome),” said Cr Miller.

“This just makes me sad.”

Cr Howard said he felt disappointment for the local Indigenous community and expressed concern the motion would embolden closet racists on social media.

“The motion must be hurtful, painful and uncomfortable to the local Indigenous community,” said Cr Wilson.

The motion was defeated three votes to eight, with only the three Libertarian members of the Council voting in favour, being Crs Graham, Beazley and McKenzie.

The Council then passed a motion (eight to three) confirming its commitment to continuing its present practices in relation to Welcome to Country and related issues.

In December 2024, News Of The Area sought clarification from Cr Graham concerning the meaning of, and plans to try and implement, other parts of the Libertarian Party manifesto, which says as follows: “We support privatising businesses currently managed by local councils such as childcare centres, pools, sports centres, and caravan parks.

“We will vote YES to any development as long as it doesn’t infringe on somebody else’s property rights.

“Want to buy your neighbour’s home and build a block of modern classy units? Do it.”

In particular Cr Graham was asked whether, in accordance with the manifesto, he planned to push for the sale of Gloucester Olympic pool, the Gloucester Recreation Centre, the Gloucester caravan park and for the closure of the Gloucester library.

No reply was received.

By John WATTS