‘Mayors for Peace’ causes war of words

The decision to fund a global anti-nuclear initiative has triggered a partisan divide in Leichhardt Council.

At its most recent meeting, Council adopted a resolution to provide 1,200 Euros (approximately $1,520.00 AUD) to the Mayors for Peace (MFP) ‘2020 Vision Campaign’. The initiative utilises the skills and funds of local governments across the globe, with the aim of ridding the world of nuclear weapons by 2020.

Over 5,100 cities have signed up to the campaign, including 86 in Australia. While Labor and the Greens ensured the motion was passed, it drew strong criticism from Liberal councillors. Councillor John Jobling said funding global organisations was a waste of local ratepayer money.

“Money raised in Leichhardt should be spent in Leichhardt, even if they only achieve six potholes extra filled or another couple of foot of footpath,” he said. “That’s what the money is there for.”

Greens Councillor Daniel Kogoy accused Mr Jobling of politicising the issue and denied other services such as street maintenance would lose out as a result of funding MFP.

“I don’t know if Councillor Jobling is aware or not but we fix potholes in 48 hours,” Mr Kogoy said. “Council has a long history of opposition to nuclear armament and has campaigned strongly over a number of years for nuclear disarmament.

“It’s a very relevant issue to our local community and I strongly support it. It’s a cause for peace and justice and environmental protection, locally and internationally.”

Labor Councillor Simon Emsley also defended MFP’s relevance.

“There are a vast number of things which Council does which aren’t directly traceable to the benefit of ratepayers in the immediate result, but they are very much so in terms of the longer term,” Mr Emsley said.

But Mr Jobling remained adamant.

“I do not concede at all or agree in the slightest that this is what ratepayers’ money should be spent on,” Mr Jobling said.