Brisbane councillor Trina Massey ordered to apologise and repay funds over Israel-Palestine article
Massey was required to issue a public apology in the next ward newsletter and on social media, reimburse the Brisbane City Council for half the $20,000 publication cost and undertake training and consultancy on the code of conduct at his own expense.
Massey told investigators at the time that he stood by the article and that it criticized “Zionism” and the state of Israel, not the Jewish people.
“Some of the information contained in my newsletter may be uncomfortable to read, but that is the nature of telling the truth,” he said in a social media statement in September 2024.
“As Australians living on stolen indigenous lands, it is important that we sit with this discomfort as we challenge our own history of invasion and occupation.”
Massey did not write the article. Academic and rapper Dr Jamal Nabulsi was paid $2800 for a 500-word contribution.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner harshly criticized his colleague on Wednesday, saying his rhetoric was against social harmony.
“He used Hamas’ talking points,” he said.
“This is something that organizations like ASIO have been warning about… warning politicians to tone it down, watch their language and not fuel the fires of hatred.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says Trina Massey’s spring 2024 newsletter is against social cohesion. Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt
“This is not just a financial attack on our Jewish community… I am truly sickened.”
The Green councilor did not respond to phone calls or text messages from this imprint on Wednesday afternoon, but released a statement through her party later in the day.
“The LNP lord mayor’s comments today are disgraceful and defamatory and are not supported by the council’s own report. I reject his allegations and am considering my options,” he said.
“It is shameful that this LNP politician cynically exploits the nation’s pain to silence my community’s strong advocacy for peace. My constituents advocate for peace and will continue to do so.”
Jason Steinberg, chairman of the Queensland Board of Jewish Representatives, joined Schrinner at City Hall to condemn Massey.
“This is propaganda… several members said they didn’t feel safe walking in the West End.”
An ethics committee member who is not part of the ruling LNP told this imprint that the timing of Monday’s decision was coincidental and that the vote was planned before the Bondi attack.
Massey condemned Hamas and the October 7 attacks. Following the Bondi attack, he posted on social media: “Jewish people have the right to security. Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and this heinous attack is an attack on all of us.”
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