Cumberland mayor Steve Christou slammed for TV quiz show appearance

Cumberland Shire Council mayor Steve Christou — who last week compared Covid restrictions to “like living in Nazi Germany” — has been criticised for appearing on a TV quiz show during lockdown.

A western Sydney mayor whose entire community is a Covid hot zone has been slammed for taking time out this week to audition for and appear on a TV quiz show.

Cumberland Shire Council mayor Steve Christou last week apologised for saying current restrictions were “like living in Nazi Germany” and has been critical of the state government’s lockdowns.

Police Minister David Elliott previously unloaded on Mr Christou and called for him to step down over his outspoken social media criticism that also compared NSW lockdowns including comparing the state to “Zimbabwe or Kazakhstan”.

The Covid cases in his western Sydney region have more than doubled in the past two weeks and the entire 250,000 residents in Cumberland Shire are locked down.

On Thursday, the day Cumberland Local Government Area recorded the highest seven-day average for new cases in Sydney, Mr Christou taped an appearance on Andy Lee’s quiz show The Hundred.

Mayor Steve Christou. Picture: Monique Harmer

Police Minister David Elliott. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Damian Shaw

Police Minister David Elliott said he was shocked to learn of Mr Christou’s TV appearance.

“It’s pretty surprising that he’s actually got time to be on reality television,” he said.

“It’s disappointing that a local government mayor who was very keen to pass judgment on our Premier all of a sudden has time to appear on reality TV when by his own admission his constituents are suffering under the challenges of lockdown.”

Mr Christou defended his appearance and said it was “a minimal time commitment”.

“I did this in my private capacity and I was delighted to be asked to present my views,” he said.

“As a person with a multicultural background, I felt this was a good opportunity to represent the views of my community, as it was explained to me by the producers that the premise of this show was to represent the opinions of the diverse Australian community.

“Once I ascertained that there was a minimal time commitment and that I could do it in my own time from my home, I was happy to participate.

“Covid has consumed our lives and I feel it was a good opportunity to be part of something that provides some relief for people who are going through such a stressful period.”