GEELONG ADVERTISER
MARNIE COHEN
A MYSTERIOUS figure behind a conspiracy group that rails against Jews and the aerosol trails of jet planes appears to be a Geelong man.
A letter signed by a “Stuart Vincent Salerno” to a local MP complaining about “extensive aerosol spray” from jet planes was posted on the Chemtrails Geelong conspiracy group website.
The fringe group is also believed to be behind the national distribution of anti-Semitic pamphlets in car parks.
The offensive flyers, which claim the Holocaust was a “swindle”, have gained notoriety after being found at several universities, including Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus, Monash, Melbourne and the University of Sydney.
Correspondence between Mr Salerno and Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson, dating back to 2014, details Mr Salerno’s concerns about aerosol spray from jet planes and how it could be harming the quality of air, rainwater and the general health of Geelong residents.
The Geelong Advertiser visited the address used by Mr Salerno in his letters to Ms Henderson — leafy Laurel Bank Parade in Newtown — where an older woman answered and called to a man name Stuart.
When asked about his involvement with Chemtrails Geelong, Stuart said, “I don’t talk to the press,” before closing the door. He did not deny any involvement with Chemtrails Geelong.
Mr Salerno is the first person to be connected with the deliberately anonymous group, and the flyers that have been circulating since September last year.
The police investigation into the anti-Semitic pamphlets found at Melbourne universities was dropped after they determined that no offence had been committed.
But Jewish groups have said there should be zero tolerance for the material, which they describe as disgusting.
Anti-Defamation Commission Chair Dr Dvir Abramovich said he was horrified these messages had reached Geelong residents and university students.
“I am shocked and disgusted that revolting brochures have once again invaded our community, not only belittling the horrific murder of six million Jews, but sowing a message of intolerance in the hearts of people,” he said.
“This year we have seen the increasing geographical spread of Holocaust denial by these agents of hate, and there is no doubt that neo-Nazis and white supremacists are waging a national campaign of outreach to students as part of their well co-ordinated hate blitz.”