Not shire issue

I write in reference to the article on marriage equality (Gaz 23/5).

First I would like to say I am thankful that mayor Joe Gauci does state this issue is a matter for community opinion rather than our shire council..

I also appreciate that the Baw Baw Shire hasn’t so far been as presumptuous, or might I say arrogant, to carry a motion and officially declare its support for marriage equality as the Bass Coast Shire has done in recent weeks on behalf of its constituents.

I do, however, have an aversion to The Gazette taking the opportunity to give predominant space to the personal opinions of Cr O’Donnell’s and Joe Gauci in favour of marriage equality, clearly resulting in unbalanced and biased reporting to one side of the debate.

And more importantly, I would like to voice my objection to our Baw Baw Shire giving any consideration at all to the issue of marriage equality.

As a ratepayer in the Baw Baw Shire, I question why local councils feel they have to concern themselves with moralising at all on the behalf of their ratepayers and constituents?

This issue should be left to those at the federal level and I believe handed to the people of Australia in the form of a plebiscite for all to have a fair say on both sides of the debate. If Australia truly is a democracy it should be left to the Australian people to decide.

Therefore, this will free up the Baw Baw Shire to attend to business and commit their time and skills to the duties they are actually employed for. Helen Neumann, Warragul