Casey Councillor Sam Aziz has come under fire for a controversial Facebook post to Muslim leaders who feel “alienated in Australia” to go home.
Cr Aziz took to Facebook to vent following the fatal shooting of Narre Warren terror suspect Numan Haider, 18, at Endeavour Hills police station last night, after he stabbed two officers and allegedly made terror threats against Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
“Dear So Called Muslim Leaders — I am sorry you feel alienated in Australia. Perhaps you would be far more comfortable leaving Australia (with its liberties and welfare system) and go back to somewhere in the desert in Arabia, where you can engage in oppression, violence and any other 7th Century activity that does not belong in a civilised country in our time,” he wrote.
But Multicultural Affairs Minister Matthew Guy said Cr Aziz’s comments were divisive.
“All leaders — including those from our three tiers of Government — have a responsibility to provide leadership and to unite all Australians,” Mr Guy said.
“No community should be targeted from this event.
“Cr Aziz, as a local councillor, should be uniting residents in his municipality, not dividing them.”
Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network president Helen Heath OAM said public figures should not inflame the situation.
“It’s a delicate situation, people can have an opinion but we all have to live here and get on with each other,” Ms Heath said.
“People need to be aware that if they are going to make a comment, it will have an effect on people, particularly if you are a public figure.”
Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett refused to comment on the Facebook post.
“I will not be commenting on the individual comments of other councillors,” Cr Ablett said.
Cr Aziz stood by his Facebook comments.
“We’ve had two injured police officers hospitalised in Melbourne after they were stabbed by someone who was under investigation yet the Islamic Council of Victoria are coming out and talking about alienation,” Cr Aziz said.
“I don’t see how a society like Australia fosters alienation when we have all the liberties, the great welfare system and amazing opportunities that many other people in the world aspire to have.
“I have every confidence in our police and security agencies that they will always do what is absolutely necessary to keep us all safe.”