I agree with Andrew Anderson (Noosa Today 23/3/2018) about the need for apology and meaningful remedy not to be reserved for Trevor Clarey alone. But it is neither fair nor helpful to fault Trevor for correcting misleading claims about fishermen destroying river habitat. His was a worthy initiative as would be an apology for the grave injustice perpetrated against Noosa’s indigenous people.
I support what Trevor did because I believe he was treated unfairly and also because I believe his case was part of a bigger and more serious issue: the controlling, toxic and bullying culture that is entrenched in Noosa.
Our State MP Sandy Bolton spoke in her maiden speech about politicians needing to set a better example in how they conduct their parliamentary business. I stand with her in supporting respectful debate and rejecting ad hominem attack.
I also find truth in the observation that culture in an organisation tends to be set by the worst behaviour a leader is willing to accept. For this reason I find Cr Tony Wellington’s plea to support the #pledgenot2sledge initiative to be disingenuous.
The mayor’s previous editorship of the malign and now terminated Gumshoe newsletter subjected many people in our community to ad hominem attack. Smears, email harassment and anonymous letters to the editor have also been adopted at various times – and are still used – to bully and intimidate.
The people Andrew dismisses as having ‘an axe to grind’ are often those who have been affected by and are taking a stand against this toxic culture. As long as the hurt caused by past intimidation remains, and as long as this bullying culture prevails, criticising those of us taking a stand is quite simply victim blaming.
We need to authentically address past hurt wherever it is and move swiftly to a collaborative, open and transparent culture. If our community is to thrive we need trust, consistency and honesty in dealing with each other, virtues which will create a less divided and more resilient community well equipped for the serious challenges ahead.
Regards
Bettina Walter
