Andrew Thaler, a Snowy Mountains councillor, has been suspended from his position without pay. This move follows the New South Wales government being notified of serious allegations involving breaches of the code of conduct. He should be required to apologize for his statements in social media videos published on March 5 and 6. These comments have been met with major outcry from the public and municipal leadership.
Thaler has caused an international stir ever since his election to the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. A departmental report uncovered in an investigation into his behavior and public statements shows otherwise. His alarming recent social media activity has raised new questions about his fitness for office. One thing that’s new is a nearly hour-long livestream he hosted on March 5.
Breach of Conduct Allegations
The offending part of the scandal is Thaler’s remarks about his employees’ proper gender identity in one of his videos. He stated, “if you don’t know what you are, you’ve got a problem with your life,” which many deemed offensive and inappropriate for a public official. His comments have set off a firestorm of anger from residential locals and advocacy organizations. They claim that his statements go against the values of respect and inclusivity that local government is built upon.
Thaler has previously slammed the leadership of the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. He describes it as “on a knife edge” and advocates for placing it under administration. His tactless frankness has brought attention to his unfiltered opinions. It has raised questions about the council’s governance, balance and stability.
In an equally fiery post on March 14, Thaler went further. This further inflamed the situation and forced the New South Wales Office of Local Government to move against him. The department’s investigation found Thaler’s actions did not meet the standards of a local government sheriff, resulting in Thaler’s suspension.
Required Apology
Following the investigation, Thaler received instructions to apologize to individuals affected by his “offensive behavior and intimidating online comments.” At least he’s admitted he was wrong. In reality, he had long since indicated that he was ready to make amends in his letter to the NSW Office of Local Government. He referred to his situation humorously, stating, “hashtag, this will be the eleventh-tieth code of conduct.”
For all his desire to make amends, Thaler’s Quarterly Conversation interview exposes a petulance about the charges leveled at him and his work. He remarked, “I have never had the presumption of innocence,” indicating his belief that he is being unfairly judged amid these allegations.
Community Response
Local officials are right to be upset at Thaler’s comments and actions. Finally, Stephen Dunshea, from the NSW Office of Local Government, reiterated the importance of respect in public life. He challenged us all to be decent in our positions of power. He stated, “Without respect and decency as the starting point, the position of local government within the community and in public life is put in jeopardy.” This feeling represents increasing frustration among citizens about the impact of Thaler’s actions on the future of local leadership.
Thaler’s controversial tenure was ignited when he stood as an independent candidate in Canada’s last federal election. He won only a little more than 2,000 votes in the effort. Though his political career has been marked by a history of incendiary remarks and deeds, even as some constituents are rendered politically homeless, others coalesce around him, everywhere echoing his sentiments.
