By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE City of Casey has slammed what it labelled an “ongoing and co-ordinated political and media campaign” against Councillor Sam Aziz.
The criticism was made in a media statement released by council on Tuesday morning, after media reports detailing bullying allegations levelled at Cr Aziz by fellow councillor, Rafal Kaplon.
In parliament on 20 August, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan attacked comments made by Cr Aziz in an email – sent to Cr Kaplon and other councillors – where he allegedly referred to Cr Kaplon as a “parasitic mosquito”.
The matter is currently being investigated by the Councillor Conduct Panel.
“Recently Cr Rafal Kaplon, who is from the gay community, was referred to by Sam Aziz as a ‘parasitic mosquito who thrives by spreading blood-borne viruses between otherwise healthy people’,” Mr Donnellan told the parliament.
“They are totally and utterly inappropriate comments from a councillor in the State of Victoria.”
Mr Donnellan also referred to comments made on Facebook by Cr Aziz last year about the Islamic community following the September police shooting in Endeavour Hills.
“Recently he made the following comments in relation to the Islamic community: ‘Dear so-called Muslim leaders – I am sorry you feel alienated in Australia. Perhaps you would be far more comfortable leaving Australia (with its liberties and welfare system) and go back to somewhere in the desert in Arabia, where you can engage in oppression, violence and any other 7th century activity that does not belong in a civilised country in our time,’” Mr Donnellan said.
“Those comments are totally inappropriate. This person is not fit to be a councillor in the City of Casey.
“Many of his fellow councillors have great fear in relation to his behaviour and language, and it is not a safe workplace.”
But Casey Mayor Mick Morland hit back at Mr Donnellan on Tuesday, saying to state “many of his (Cr Aziz’s) fellow councillors have great fear about his language and behaviour is simply nonsense”.
“I’m aware that a majority of our councillors support Cr Aziz and the excellent contribution he makes to our community,” Cr Morland said.
“While Cr Aziz is a very articulate communicator, he can be robust and forthright, but this is absolutely no reason to attack him in such an appalling manner.”
Cr Aziz told the News that Mr Donnellan had taken his comments about Cr Kaplon out of context.
“He’s made it look like I’m criticising Cr Kaplon for his sexual orientation – people’s sexual orientation is none of my business – but what is my business is the performance and professionalism of a councillor,” he said.
Cr Aziz also said Mr Donnellan took his comments made about the Muslim community following Numan Haider’s death out of context, under parliamentary privilege.
“After last year’s incident some of the Muslim community came out and said basically people do that when they feel alienated, and I have a deep problem with this type of attitude,” he said.
“It’s not an excuse, there’s underlying issues that need to be addressed by community leaders.
“I simply made the statement that if you feel alienated in Australia, with its wonderful welfare system and wonderful liberties, this is not a place that you should continue be in.”
