Tasmanian legal expert says everyone needs to stand up against violent language

Legal expert demands a Tasmanian council to do better after American musician Ronnie Radke posted a violent rant aimed at two female councillors.

Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood with Ronnie Radke. Picture: Facebook

A legal expert has weighed into the controversy surrounding under-fire Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood and US rocker Ronnie Radke, saying if violent language is not called out, it “fuels inequality”.

The social media post by Mr Garwood pictured with the singer divided the Launceston community because of Radke’s violent criminal record and chequered past including accusations of domestic violence.

Radke served time in jail after his involvement in a violent brawl where a man was shot dead and he confessed to bringing brass knuckles to the fight.

Mr Garwood’s post was condemned by Launceston City councillors who were then targeted by the musician and his fans on social media, with some receiving death threats.

Women’s Legal Centre Tasmania’s chief executive officer Yvette Cehtel said not calling out violent language allowed it to become part of life.

“People think it’s normal in their own lives, and it sends kind of cultural messages about the kind of behaviours that we put up with publicly and the kinds of behaviours that we think are okay,” she said.

Yvette Cehtel, chief executive of Women's Legal Service Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

“If we really want to promote equality and to end violence against all people in the community, we all need to take a stand.

“There is a real lack of male leadership in standing up to this, and it’s just not good enough.”

The Women’s Legal Services Tasmania, with Women’s Health Tasmania has a domestic violence awareness workshopprogram called ‘Where’s Your Line’, which the council has previously supported.

“No member of the Launceston City Council has ever attended any of those despite them supporting them for the community,” Ms Cehtel said.

While Mr Garwood has since condemned the rapper’s posts, he has failed to remove the original picture from his personal social media accounts.

The council issued a formal statement signed by CEO Sam Johnson condemning Radke’s social media attack on council staff, butMr Garwood has refused to speak about the events further.

Ms Cehtel said it should have been an immediate response.

“Council needs to have an open conversation about what psychological safety looks like for all members of council,” she said.

“Those with power and privilege and who might not think about that really need to listen to those that might have been impacted.

“Some of it might be uncomfortable for people that have never had their privilege or power questioned before, it’s not the time to get defensive, it’s time to listen.”

Organiser for the Tasmania Speak Now rally last month, actor Bonnie Sveen, said the videos posted by Radke would have frightened many people.

Bonnie Sveen at She Matters – Stop Killing Women Rally at Franklin Square Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I’m glad to see Matthew Garwood has since said he’s distanced himself from Radke,” she said.

“As long as we’re making excuses for aggressive and controlling behaviours, and downplaying the effects of violence, the support we claim to have for victim survivors in our community becomes hollow words and tokenism.”

Mr Garwood has also come under fire in the past for a photo back in 2023 where he was acting mayor at Mainstreet Australia Awards. He was photographed using an OK hand symbol which has a reputation for being a white supremacist gesture.

Mr Garwood denied that was his intention with the hand gesture and just needed something to do with his hands for the picture.