Brisbane councillor Trina Massey ordered to apologise and repay funds over Israel-Palestine article

Massey was required to issue a public apology in her next ward newsletter and on social media, repay Brisbane City Council half of the $20,000 cost of publication, and undertake training and counselling on the code of conduct, at her own expense.

Massey told investigators at the time that she stood by the article and was critiquing “Zionism” and the state of Israel, not Jewish people.

“Some of the information included in my newsletter may be uncomfortable to read, but this is the nature of truth telling,” a social media statement in September 2024 said.

“As Australians living on stolen Indigenous land, it’s important that we sit with this discomfort as we challenge our own histories of occupation and invasion.”

Massey did not write the article. Academic and rapper Dr Jamal Nabulsi was paid $2800 for the 500-word contribution.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner was scathing of his colleague on Wednesday, arguing her rhetoric was contrary to social cohesion.

“She used Hamas talking points,” he said.

“This is something that agencies like ASIO have warned against … they were warning politicians to tone it down and be careful about their language and not fan the flames of hatred.

“Not only is this material offensive to our Jewish community … I am genuinely sickened.”

The Greens councillor did not respond to phone calls or text messages from this masthead on Wednesday afternoon, but provided a statement through her party late in the day.

“The LNP lord mayor’s comments today are shameful, defamatory, and are not substantiated by the council’s own report. I reject his claims and am considering my options,” she said.

“It is disgraceful that this LNP politician would cynically exploit the nation’s grief in an attempt to silence my community’s strong advocacy for peace. My constituents advocate for peace, and will continue to do so.”

Jason Steinberg, president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, joined Schrinner at City Hall to condemn Massey.

“This is propaganda … several members have said they don’t feel safe walking in West End.”

A member of the ethics committee who was not part of the ruling LNP told this masthead the timing of Monday’s decision was a coincidence, and the vote had been scheduled before the Bondi shooting.

Massey has condemned Hamas and the October 7 attacks. After the Bondi attack, she posted on social media: “Jewish people have a right to safety. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and this abhorrent attack is an attack on all of us.”

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