Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Extremism

Samantha RATNAM (Northern Metropolitan) (14:51): Over several months our local councils have been the target of an increasingly organised force intent on disrupting the business of local government. Fifteen councils have already been the target of hostile organised actions that resulted in some councils needing increased security. These groups appear connected via association with the My Place network that is closely associated with the so-called freedom movements as well as the sovereign citizens movement. These are far-right actors that were the subject of last year’s parliamentary inquiry into far-right extremism. They are attacking councillors for issues ranging from climate change action measures to increased inclusion for marginalised groups to urban planning strategies like 15-minute cities. Some councils have had to reluctantly limit access to their meetings. Many councils have publicly stated they wish to remain open and accessible but have few other choices.

We were warned about this phenomenon during the parliamentary inquiry. We learned that the growth of these far-right movements can pose a threat to our democracy, and now we are seeing it happen literally. This comes just a few weeks after rallies on the steps of this place against the rights of trans and gender-diverse people, which attracted the likes of the neo-Nazis no less. The convergence of conspiracy theorists, anti-trans activism and the far right is happening – seeding prejudice and division against minority communities is a well-worn tactic. The attack on local councils is deliberate, but they will not win. The trans and gender-diverse community is strong, and together we can defeat those who seek to divide us.