Incoming US president Donald Trump was referenced during a passionate debate at the Wattle Range Council December monthly meeting.
Councillor John Drew said he feared Australia could become a “Trumpist country” if anti-vaccination material was widely circulated.
His remarks were part of an extraordinary debate lasting several minutes and involving seven elected members and staff.
It had begun with a question without notice from Cr Dale Price.
For the second consecutive meeting, Cr Price queried why the anti-vaccination material sent to Wattle Range Council from the Port Headland Council in Western Australia had not been published in the agenda.
“Do Wattle Range Council residents have the right to hear of this?” asked Cr Price.
He called on Mayor Des Noll to suspend standing orders to allow an open discussion but the mayor said this was not necessary.
Cr Price made a number of claims with respect to government actions relating to COVID immunisations.
Cr Deb Agnew said letters had been sent to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on this issue.
“We have not heard a thing,” Cr Agnew said.
However, Cr David Walshaw said Wattle Range Council should not be involved in the circulation of anti-vaccination material.
Cr Walshaw referred to his previous working life as a senior health bureaucrat.
“I would urge caution,” Cr Walshaw said.
“Is this material appropriate for the Wattle Range Council website?
“We are opening a can of worms.”
Council chief executive Ben Gower said he had privately circulated the anti-vaccination material to councillors but had not included it on the December monthly council meeting agenda as it was not council business.
Cr Drew said he could not remain silent as he supported vaccinations.
“Smallpox was wiped out by vaccinations and they are very effective,” he said.
“I do not want Australia to become a Trumpist country.
“I would be embarrassed if the [anti-vaccination] material is placed on the Wattle Range Council website.”
Cr John Shelton conceded that he was new to council but wanted to offer a broader view.
“Who decides what goes on the Wattle Range Council website?” Cr Shelton said.
“This could be the thin edge of a big wedge. We should keep to core business. Let people explore and find their own information.”
Mr Gower said council had previously delegated control of its website to him.
