Brisbane Greens councillor Trina Massey is the target of a sustained right wing political storm. This unrest comes on the heels of distribution of an inflammatory monthly newsletter throughout her Gabba ward. It was the September 2024 edition, and residents were treated to a colorful two-page spread. Lost in Transit As implemented, countless issues have arisen regarding its content and the use of ratepayer funds. Massey set aside $10,000 from this funding to get the newsletter going. This time we linked up with a family of Palestinian refugees residing in Brisbane, who described in harrowing terms the ongoing “genocide” of Palestinians.
The unheralded newsletter has ignited existential alarm. People in the area widely criticize it as inappropriate to spend public money on a publication that mostly serves to advance a “one-sided personal agenda.” An independent report commissioned by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner concluded that while the newsletter did not contain antisemitic content, it nonetheless misused ratepayer funds for issues not directly related to local governance.
Allegations and Defenses
After receiving public outrage for her indifference, Massey has aggressively defended her misconduct. She denied accusations that her newsletter was antisemitic, calling those accusations “shameful and defamatory.” She spoke eloquently and passionately about her work to combat antisemitism and other forms of racism. Her mission is to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.
“The LNP lord mayor’s comments today are shameful, defamatory and are not substantiated by the council’s own report.” – Cr Massey
Massey took the Local National Party (LNP) to task. She charged its members with opportunistically hijacking national tragedies to further derail her community’s efforts to advocate for peace. She was hurt and angered by the implication that her newsletter spread hate. She made it clear that its true purpose was to encourage understanding, not division.
Council Response and Ethical Implications
The Ethics Committee has also required Massey to apologize in writing for the newsletter and reimburse the $10,000 spent on its distribution. She also has not announced whether she intends to follow through with the order. Instead, she claims that she is “still exploring her options.” This confluence of challenges has ignited a nationwide conversation around the ethical use of public funds by elected officials.
Lord Mayor Schrinner has taken a firm stance against Massey’s actions, urging her to cease what he perceives as exacerbating tensions within the community. He stated,
“We call on Cr Massey … to stop fanning the flames of hatred and antisemitism.” – Cr Schrinner
Schrinner’s remarks indicate a growing alarm among city councillors. They are particularly worried about the effect Massey’s newsletter will have on community relations, particularly after the Indo-Australian community was targeted in a recent terror attack in Bondi.
Community Reactions
Residents in the Gabba ward have reacted with surprise and even anger to the wacky newsletter and the resulting international shitstorm. Many advocates believe Massey has a right to speak out on behalf of the Palestinian refugees. Some others blast her for spending public money in a manner they believe draws attention away from important local government issues.
As this situation continues to unfold, local leaders and constituents remain divided over the implications of Massey’s newsletter and the ethical responsibilities of elected officials. Through these important dialogues, we hope to inform future practice of council members as they operate in increasingly complicated social and political environments.
