Adrian Jackson runs for Port Phillip Council despite ‘offensive comments’ ban
A Middle Park man banned from council meetings over a string of “tacky” and offensive comments, including saying he hoped the former mayor “gets ovarian cancer” has thrown his hat in the ring to be a councillor.
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A Middle Park man banned from Port Phillip Council meetings over a series of “offensive” comments is running for election.
Adrian Jackson, an ex-serviceman who runs a Richardson St B&B, was banned from speaking in the council chamber “until further notice” in 2013 after a nasty verbal stoush with then-Mayor Amanda Stevens where he told the chamber “I hope she gets ovarian cancer”.
At the time, Mr Jackson admitted “it was a tacky comment” but ultimately brushed it off.
“You say these things if you’re annoyed,” he said.
In 2003 Mr Jackson came under fire for banning “Israelis and Americans” from staying at his bed and breakfast.
He said the ban was “political, not religion (sic) or racial”.
“It’s because I oppose the Iraq invasion and the oppression of the Palestinians.” he said.
“The American ban was lifted when Obama withdrew the combat unit from Iraq but the Israel ban is still active.”
His “obscene” comments towards the former mayor was the final straw for the council and prompted former chief executive Tracey Slatter to throw the book at the provocateur, who is a staunch and vocal opponent of the Labor Party.
In a letter to Mr Jackson, Ms Slatter said he been banned for making “offensive and abusive” comments.
Mr Jackson is running in Lake Ward, which includes Middle Park, Albert Park and parts of St Kilda.
If elected, it could pose a governance issue if his ban is still effective.
He has recently asked questions via the council’s online portal but has not been able to address council in person.
Port Phillip Council would not comment on the matter.
Chief executive Peter Smith said “under Port Phillip Council’s election period policy, media responses must not refer to councillors or any candidate”.
When asked whether he was still banned and why he had chosen to run for council Mr Jackson told the Leader to “run along and do something useful”.
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