Councillor's post labelled racist
A northern suburbs councillor has been accused of racism after an offensive Australia Day Facebook posting was made from his personal account.
The post, which depicts a picture of an Australian flag, contains the caption: "On Jan 26, my countrymen and I will be flying our natioal (sic) flag with pride. If you feel this is going to offend you please feel free to pack up your s**t and F*** OFF."
The message was posted on the Carramar and Tapping Residents Association Facebook page from City of Wanneroo councillor Norman Hewer's account, which he shares with wife Pam.
Pam Hewer later posted that the message was hers, writing "sorry, couldn't resist it".
Members of the public were not convinced though, lashing out at the community representative for the "inappropriate" and "racist" comment.
"Very inappropriate for a community page from a councillor's private page. No matter your personal view, not the nicest way to express it," one person commented.
"It's also ignorant, immature and offensive . . . Wrong association for the flag, this community and Australia Day," another user said.
Many users asked for the post to be taken down from the website and others encouraged residents to write to Mr Hewer's personal email account to express their disapproval.
City of Wanneroo chief executive Daniel Simms has neither condoned nor condemned the comments.
"The Facebook page is not a City of Wanneroo communication," he said.
"The City welcomes the fact the material has now been removed."
Mr Hewer was elected to council in 2009 to represent the residents of the north ward, which includes Carramar, Banksia Grove, Neerabup, Nowergup, Carabooda, Alkimos, Eglinton, Yanchep and Two Rocks.
Mr Hewer could not be contacted for comment.
'No matter your personal view, not the nicest way to express it.' "Public comment on the Facebook post
