New South Wales Greens MP and spokesperson on Multiculturalism Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called on the NSW government to appoint a Community Relations Commission chair who is committed to the spirit of the role, in light of Vic Alhadeff’s resignation.
“The role of the chair of the Community Relations Commission is to foster multiculturalism and cooperation. The government needs to appoint a Commission chair who has a real commitment to this, without a conflict of interest.
“Objective 12C of the Commission is ‘the promotion of a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society with mutual respect for and understanding of cultural diversity’.
“Mr Alhadeff’s comments regarding the war in Gaza were insensitive and unacceptable. Multicultural communities across NSW deserve a Commission chair who will perform the role in the spirit of inclusiveness and peace,” concluded Dr Faruqi.
Vic Alhadeff, the former chair of the New South Wales Community Relations Commission (CRC), whose roots go back to the Greek island of Rhodes, resigned following controversial comments he made supporting Israel’s attack in Gaza.
An email sent by Mr Alhadeff defended Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has so far killed more than 1,200 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and sparked calls from Muslim and Arab groups in NSW that he be sacked.
NSW premier Mike Baird resisted those calls, leaving Alhadeff to decide his own resignation.
“I have chosen to do so in the interests of the CRC and its important work in fostering social harmony within our society,” said Mr Alhadeff, who went on to state that he greatly regretted his action.
The email was sent in his capacity as CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
