No confidence vote blocked

Liberal councillor Daniel Rosenfeld told The AJN he is disappointed after his motion of no confidence against Randwick mayor Philipa Veitch was blocked by Labor during an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday night.

The gallery was packed with members of the Jewish community, with one member Ben Klein telling Veitch that she “has lost the confidence of the Randwick community”.

Veitch has continued to express her divisive and controversial opinions on Israel and Gaza, but it was her comment during a pro-Palestine speech at the University of NSW where she accused Israel of “murdering babies” that prompted Rosenfeld to call the motion of no confidence.

“The mayor is the council’s official spokesperson and many Jewish and non-Jewish residents alike feel very uncomfortable when they see she’s making inflammatory and inappropriate comments,” Rosenfeld said.

“Whether the mayor says these are her own views and not of the council is inconsequential as the mayor is the council’s official spokesperson. Since taking the role, the mayor has upset many residents with her personal views but doesn’t seem to want to stop.”

Rosenfeld said he has received numerous complaints about Veitch and accused her of bringing the council into disrepute.

“These actions and inactions by a mayor aren’t just missteps, they are indicative of a leader that does not prioritise the interests and sentiments of its residents,” Rosenfeld said.

“We need a leader who listens, who respects the heritage and who stands up for our community values. It’s time for a change. It’s time for a leader that we can trust and believe in.”

Liberal councillor Christie Hamilton said Veitch continues to push one single political agenda, when “we are a local council that should be focusing on local issues”.

The motion of no confidence was supported by all four Liberals and one independent, but the vote was 9-5 with all Labor and Greens voting against the original motion. Instead an amendment to denounce antisemitism and Islamophobia was passed.

Despite Labor councillor Dylan Parker stating he has “significant concerns on the way the mayor has conducted herself”, he didn’t support the initial motion because it “does not go towards bringing our community together”.

Rosenfeld said, “Unfortunately Labor proved they are in alliance and voted to save the mayor.”

Veitch told The Daily Telegraph the meeting was a “dangerous and political stunt” ahead of next month’s local government elections, due to take place on September 14.