Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen under fire for using racial slur

A controversial Queensland councillor who was officially reprimanded earlier this year is back in the spotlight after using the ‘N’ word on Facebook and unleashing a firestorm.

Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen has come under fire for naming his sheep after a racial slur.

A social media post containing a racial slur, posted by controversial Fraser Coast councillor James Hanson has drawn widespread condemnation.

On Thursday, March 2, 2023, a social media post from the Division 1 councillor was sent to the Fraser Coast Chronicle. It featured a photo of a sheep with the words “got me a new blackie, her name is n-----”.

The Chronicle contacted Mr Hansen for comment and he responded “it’s a sheep ffs”.

In response, the Chronicle wrote: “It’s the caption that is concerning James. It contains a racial slur. Do you wish to address that?”

Mr Hansen replied: “Nope it’s a sheep and that’s her name”.

A response from a Fraser Coast Regional Council spokesman condemned the use of racist language.

“In January, council passed a resolution that any further inappropriate use of social media by Cr Hansen would be treated as misconduct,” the spokesman said.

“As such, this matter will be referred to the Office of the Independent Assessor for investigation and action.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the council condemned the use of racist language in any way or form.

“The statement attributed to Cr Hansen is distasteful, disrespectful and absolutely abhorrent,” he said.

“Racism is no joke, it is hateful and directly impacts upon people.

“As community representatives we should be setting an example for the community.”

Mayor Seymour apologised to the community for Cr Hansen’s previous inappropriate statements.

“His previous statements, which he has been reprimanded for, do not represent our organisation nor our community which is overwhelmingly respectful, kind, and considerate.

“I understand the statement attributed to him today will be investigated.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said comments like that had no place in the community.

“They’re disgusting. And I know they don’t reflect the views of everyday Queenslanders,” he said.

“Concerns about this behaviour can be made to the Office of the Independent Assessor.”

Fellow Fraser Coast councillor David Lewis also addressed the new controversy.

“The use of such a term is inappropriate and very disappointing,” he said.

“I had hoped we had moved beyond this a long time ago.

“Other than that, I don’t wish to comment at this time.”

Councillor Phil Truscott simply wrote: “Very inappropriate and inflammatory”.

The Chronicle contacted Local Government Minister Steven Miles to ask if action would be taken over Mr Hansen’s post.

It comes after Mr Hansen was reprimanded at a January 2023 council meeting over a “joke” comment posted on the council’s Facebook page.

Mr Hansen made a comment under a photo of what appears to be one of the council’s parks and gardens staff.

“ … looks like he’s never done a day’s work in his like (sic),” his comment read.

Mr Hansen has since claimed he made the comment as a “joke” because the worker, who he believed was an actor and not an actual council employee, appeared to be wearing clean clothes.

The third-term councillor is an anti-vaxxer and has come under fire most recently over a Facebook comment suggesting the Wieambilla murders were staged “just like the Port Arthur Hoax”, though he has since claimed his account was hacked.
The Office of the Independent Assessor decided to take no action regarding the Wieambilla Facebook comments, finding that Mr Hansen disputed making the comments.

“Further the comments posted, while they may have been objectionable to many in the community, does not fall into the category of comments that were discriminatory based on race, gender or religion,” the finding read.

Originally published as Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen under fire for using racial slur