Hobsons Bay council will no longer open its meetings with a prayer to God, dropping it for an opening statement that reflects the city’s multicultural, multifaith community.
Opening her first meeting as mayor last week, Cr Colleen Gates dispensed with calling on almighty God to bless the council, instead issuing a statement declaring respect for the community’s background, customs and beliefs.
She told Star Weekly this was to reflect that more than 30 per cent of Hobsons Bay residents were born overseas, with more than 100 languages being spoken in the municipality.
“As the incoming mayor, I felt it was time to start our council meetings with an opening statement that better reflects the multicultural and multifaith community we live in,” Cr Gates said.
“I believe our community will recognise this new opening statement is about being inclusive, while also setting a tone that reflects the professional conduct of our meetings.”
Cr Angela Altair told last week’s meeting she was sad they had cancelled the prayer, while adding that she fully supported the change.
“I guess, as an oldie who respects tradition, I’m sad to see that we have dispensed with a long tradition that has been used not only in the local government but of course in state and federal government over centuries,” Cr Altair said.
Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn said it was a poor decision and the council should revert back to the prayer. “I’m appalled, as I’m sure a great number of Hobsons Bay residents are,” he said.
“I’ve no idea what councillors are thinking. The decision should be immediately reversed. The council needs every bit of help it can get – divine included.”
Father Greg Trythall, of St Mary’s Parish, Williamstown, said the council had to make decisions for a far more diverse society than in previous generations.
“Although we, as Catholics, normally start our own particular meetings with a recognition of God and a request for greater wisdom from above, other organisations such as councils represent a far wider section of beliefs and non-beliefs,” he said.
Old opening statement:
“Almighty God, we humbly beseech thee to vouch safe thy blessing upon this council. Direct and prosper its deliberations to the advancement of thy glory and the true welfare of the people of the City of Hobsons Bay.”
New opening statement:
“We, the councillors of Hobsons Bay, recognise that we are privileged to serve a community enriched by diversity. We respect and value our community’s backgrounds, customs and beliefs and declare that we will always act impartially to the best of our skill and judgment. Through our deliberations and our conduct, we will uphold the council values to deliver outcomes that enhance the City of Hobsons Bay.”
