By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY council’s new diversity policy was officially adopted this week, with Rosalie Crestani the only councillor to dissent.
Cr Rafal Kaplon introduced the report which sees the council’s Diversity, Access and Inclusion Policy updated to include a “commitment to planning for diversity”.
The policy, which underwent public consultation before being approved at the council on Tuesday 16 February, outlines that “each individual is unique”, and cites the importance of recognising the “differences and similarities in our community”.
“Consideration of diversity in race, ethnicity, physical ability, socio-economic status, age, religious/faith beliefs, political beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation is vital in council’s decision making and advocacy” the policy states.
Cr Stapledon commended the new guidelines, telling the chamber that “this policy acknowledges that one size doesn’t fit all”.
But Cr Crestani, the only councillor to object to the new guidelines, said the policy didn’t need to be changed.
“I used to be on this committee and thought the policy was fine,” she said.
“Having to legislate such items into our policies opens us up to dangerous exposure.
“I think we’re doing just fine and hope we can revert back to the previous policy.”
Despite his “great respect” to Cr Crestani, Cr Kaplon said: “Diversity is very important in Australian culture.”
The new policy was introduced just over a year since Cr Crestani tried to raise a controversial motion to stop the City of Casey from promoting awareness of different sexual orientations.
The move sought to stop the council from issuing media releases and remove signs concerning sexual orientation or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.
Cr Crestani’s motion, which also sought to abolish the council’s LGBTI diversity training program, was not carried.
Following the acrimony Cr Crestani was removed from her role on a number of council committees including the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
For more information, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au.
