Greens councillor rejects ‘antisemitic’ newsletter claims from Brisbane mayor

Brisbane Greens councillor Trina Massey has rejected claims she distributed an “antisemitic” council-funded newsletter, calling the accusations “shameful and defamatory.” The controversy stems from a newsletter sent to residents of her Gabba ward in September 2024.

Newsletter Content and Complaints

The newsletter featured an interview with a Palestinian refugee family living in Brisbane and a timeline summarizing the Israel-Palestine war. An independent report, commissioned by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, was released on Wednesday following six complaints from residents. The complaints alleged the timeline was biased against Israel, lacking references to World War II, the Holocaust, and the October 7 attacks.

Report Findings and Ethics Committee Decision

The independent investigator’s report did not conclude the newsletter was antisemitic. However, it found that Councillor Massey had inappropriately used $10,000 in ratepayer funds to promote a “one-sided personal agenda” unrelated to local government matters. On Monday, the council’s Ethics Committee ordered Massey to apologize for the newsletter and reimburse the funds.

Response from City Officials and Councillor Massey

Lord Mayor Schrinner stated on Wednesday that while the Ethics Committee may not have the power to compel an apology, Massey had a “moral responsibility” to issue one. He also called on her to “stop fanning the flames of hatred and antisemitism.” Schrinner denied the timing of the report’s release was linked to the recent Bondi terror attack in Sydney, stating he received the report on November 24 and the council needed time to review the findings.

Massey countered that the LNP was opportunistically using the Bondi tragedy for political gain. She described the Lord Mayor’s comments as “shameful, defamatory and are not substantiated by the council’s own report.” Massey has not confirmed whether she will repay the $10,000, stating she is considering her options.

Massey previously defended the newsletter, stating it was developed with input from the Jewish Council of Australia, a Jewish anti-Zionist organization.