HERALD SUN
JORDY ATKINSON
RESULTS of an investigation into an ugly anti-Semitic slur on a Jewish councillor last month will not be made public.
Thirty pieces of silver were left on Cr Dick Gross’ desk at a public meeting on November 15 after a stoush over Port Phillip’s mayoral election turned nasty.
The 30 silver coins represents Judas’ betrayal of Jesus which ultimately led to Christ’s death.
The tasteless stunt has been slammed by Australia’s leading anti-defamation group and prompted chief executive Peter Smith to increase security at future meetings, including locking the chambers until the meeting starts.
Mayor Bernadene Voss told the Leader the “matter has been resolved” but would not divulge details of the investigation, citing privacy reasons.
“The (chief executive) has determined that the outcomes of the investigation will remain confidential to respect the privacy of those involved,” she said.
Cr Voss did not respond to the Leader’s questions about whether action would be taken against those involved or whether Cr Gross had received an apology.
All nine councillors condemned the act in a statement at the time, and Cr Voss will tonight move a motion to “unequivocally and publicly condemn all forms of anti-Semitism”.
Anti-Defamation Commission chair, Dvir Abramovich, said the motion sent the “unmistakeable message that what happened in their chambers last month is not who they are”.
“A few weeks ago in the heart of local government, our community witnessed ugly, jarring, in-your-face anti-Jewish bigotry that jolted all of us,” he said.
“Its impact reverberated far past the individual affected and pained many others.
“Now is the time to say that the fight against the dark forces of prejudice and discrimination is everyone’s fight, and now is the time to stand firm and to redouble our commitment to the enduring values of respect and inclusivity.”
Australian Greens leader Senator Richard Di Natale said his party condemned the actions at last month’s council meeting.“These kind of blood-libels have been used throughout history to vilify Jewish people and
are deeply hurtful to the community,” he said.
“I personally condemn in the strongest possible terms this kind of hateful action.”
Councillors are expected to endorse the motion.