Sarah Hathway says City Hall’s stance on her pro-Palestinian motion doesn’t make sense

The decision on whether to weigh into the ongoing conflict in Gaza is causing unease at City Hall. HAVE YOUR SAY.

Attendees at a Free Palestine rally in Geelong.

A Geelong councillor wants answers from City Hall on why the mayor can read a statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war but she has been “gagged” from introducing a motion on the same issue.

Multiple sources said Mayor Trent Sullivan would address the conflict on behalf of all councillors at the start of next week’s council meeting.

It is understood the decision to make a statement remains far from unanimous.

Some within the council chamber would rather stay silent on the issue, preferring instead to focus on council’s core duties, while others are keen to take a public stance.

The wording of the statement has not been finalised, but as it stands it will include a call for more humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza.

Geelong councillor Sarah Hathway handing out flyers for a pro-Palestinian rally in Geelong.

News of the statement comes after councillor Sarah Hathway said she was swiftly blocked by City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie from introducing a pro-Palestinian motion.

The motion was rejected on the basis it would put the safety of councillors and council staff at risk.

It was almost identical to the motion that Merri-bek council passed earlier this month, which has seen councillor Oscar Yildez receive death threats after he voted against it.

“Obviously there was still content in there that was controversial, but I had hoped over a space of a few weeks, we could have taken other bits out, amended bits, come to some kind of consensus,” Ms Hathway said.

“I have questions now about why a notice of motion on this issue would incite violence, or risk doing so, but reading a statement is fine and doesn’t put anyone at risk.

“There’s either a legitimate risk or there’s not.”

Ms Hathway was elevated to council in June as an endorsed Socialist Alliance candidate.

Socialist Alliance is a far-left political organisation that advocates for Australia to cease ties with Israel.

The motion at Merri-bek, which takes in inner-north Melbourne suburbs including Brunswick and Coburg, was put forward by Socialist Alliance stalwart Sue Bolton.

Among other things, it will see council fly a Palestinian flag at the Coburg Civic Centre for at least six months.

Ms Hathway has been vocal in her support of Palestine.

Last month, she said “ethnic cleansing” by the Israeli government was the catalyst for the current conflict.

A recent Facebook post by the Free Palestine Geelong group included a photo of her handing out flyers promoting a public rally scheduled for this Saturday.

A similar rally recently saw participants storm the CBD office of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and use bike locks to chain themselves to the reception area.

At the commencement of last month’s council meeting, Mr Sullivan expressed shock at the loss of life in Israel and Palestine.

“Our thoughts are with the civilians impacted by this deadly conflict, and with those members of the Greater Geelong community who have family ties to the region,” he said.

The City of Greater Geelong has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Sarah Hathway says City Hall’s stance on her pro-Palestinian motion doesn’t make sense