UPDATE: An Islamic leader has condemned controversial remarks about terrorism made by a Hume councillor.
As reported by Star Weekly, a council investigation was launched after Cr Jack Medcraft referred to the municipality as the ‘‘terrorist training centre of Australia’’ on a closed social media group.
Responding to an article about counter terrorism raids in Hume earlier this month, Cr Medcraft referred to a 2003 ban on ham and pork being served at council functions in his Facebook post.
‘‘First it was ham sandwiches we were known for, now this garbage,’’ he said. ‘‘Watch out Sunbury, we could be next.’’
Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Kuranda Seyit said he was disappointed by the comments and trusted that council processes would lead to Cr Medcraft being censured.
‘‘It’s very concerning that an elected leader would echo the sentiments of a small minority of bigots,’’ Mr Seyit said.
Council chief executive Domenic Isola said a council investigation had already been conducted under the councillors’ code of conduct. He did not disclose details.
Cr Medcraft has apologised for causing offence but said a serious discussion is still needed about terror links to Hume.
‘‘My comments were tongue in cheek; they weren’t meant with any malice,’’ he said.
Cr Medcraft said a lot of people are ‘‘worried about what’s going on’’.
There have been several alleged terrorist links to Hume. Jake Bilardi, of Craigieburn, and Suhan Rahman, of Roxburgh Park, were reportedly killed fighting overseas for Islamic State. A 17-year-old was arrested in a counter-terrorism operation at Greenvale on May 8.
A police spokeswoman said it was important that people recognise there are an extremely small number of people involved in terrorism-related activities.
‘They are not representative of, speak for or act on behalf of, any community, religious or ethnic group.’’
She said Victoria’s commitment to multiculturalism was a great strength.
ICV secretary Kuranda Seyit said he trusted that council processes would lead to Cr Medcraft being censured.
‘‘It’s very concerning that an elected leader would echo the sentiments of a small minority of bigots whose sole intention is to cause division and disharmony in society,’’ Mr Seyit said.
Cr Medcraft has apologised for causing offence but said a serious discussion was needed about terror links to Hume.
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