Councillor John Kennedy forced to apologise to Punjabi Association over comments that sparked outrage
AN ADELAIDE councillor will be forced to write an apology to members of the city’s Indian community after accusing them of “hiding behind their language”.
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CAMPBELLTOWN councillor John Kennedy will be forced to write an apology to the Punjabi Association after accusing its members of “hiding behind their language”.
A Local Government Association review of the August incident found Cr Kennedy had breached two codes of conduct when discussing an application by the group to host a cultural festival in Thorndon Park.
During the council’s discussion in August, Cr Kennedy accused the group of “hiding behind their language” and adopted an Indian accent while talking about its members.
The report described Cr Kennedy’s comments as “disrespectful” and “discriminatory”.
Cr Jill Whittaker was disappointed by her fellow councillor’s comments.
“I am not sure if he quite understands the deep hurt that has been caused to members of the community as a result of this,” Cr Whittaker told last week’s meeting.
“Many people have spoken to me and believe it has hurt the Campbelltown community more broadly — it is a very serious matter.
“It is a very sad and sorry situation that we find ourselves in.”
Mayor Simon Brewer told the meeting Cr Kennedy’s comments “were a poor choice of words”.
Cr Kennedy apologised at later meeting for his comments and said they “could be misconstrued to attract overtones of a racist nature”.
He did not attend last week’s meeting and was unable to be contacted by the East Torrens Messenger due to family reasons.
Punjabi Association of South Australia president Kuldip Chugha was pleased the investigation was over.
“He hurt so many people with his comments, but we are a people of peace and will accept his apology,” Mr Chugha said. “We are a happy community now.”
The council was unable to say how much the investigation would cost, but predicted it would be around $5000.