Deputy mayor’s casting vote denies a ceasefire motion
Melbourne City Council last night debated the passing of a motion calling for a ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel war, pretending that they are in the foreign policy business.
Nicholas Reece
The motion, which made seven demands on the federal government, was proposed by independent councillor Jamal Hakim.
Outside, about 200 pro-Palestine supporters and CFMEU members protested in support of the motion. They appeared to be matched in numbers by the police who attended to ensure peace around Town Hall and the speakers’ safety.
About 30 speakers spoke for and against the motion inside the Melbourne Town Hall. It was a close decision, with five councillors voting for the motion and five voting against it. Lord Mayor Sally Capp was on leave, so Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece had the deciding vote. He voted against it, defeating the motion and resulting in booing from outside. Reece complained that the motion had not fully condemned Hamas.
An alternative motion was then passed, noting the Prime Minister’s joint statement with the Canadian and New Zealand Prime Ministers. It passed unanimously.
Some councillors showed concern about escalating tensions in the community, while Hakim complained that the motion that passed did not go far enough.
Hakim’s a troublemaker. He’s inciting more divisiveness in a city that’s already consumed by it.