FORMER Labor party leader Mark Latham has congratulated Albury mayor Kevin Mack for sharing a meme showing eyeball rolling at the mention of Australia Day being called Invasion Day.
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“The Mayor is right,” Mr Latham tweeted in response to The Border Mail story about Cr Mack sharing a meme he originally posted.
“No invasion.
“Speaking for history and his municipality.
“Well done Macca.”
Cr Mack shared the meme on his personal Facebook page on Thursday before removing it.
He has declined to speak to The Border Mail about why he shared the meme.
However Cr Mack did tell a Facebook friend, who suggested he visit Aboriginal communities, that sharing the meme was aimed at Albury’s deputy mayor Amanda Cohn, who has spoken in favour of changing the date of Australia Day.
“My meme was directed towards my personal indifference towards my deputy mayor’s comments,” Cr Mack wrote.
“I support all people and take offence from anyone that does not.
“This issue is not a local government issue.
“Our leaders need to be true!
“Make a decision!”
Cr Cohn replied to the meme posting by replying on Facebook that “it’s your job to listen – eye-rolling is not a respectful response to that (issue) from the mayor”.
Cr Cohn, a Greens councillor, personally wants to shift the Australia Day date.
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When The Border Mail sought to ask Cr Mack his personal opinion on whether Australia Day’s date should change he responded with a prepared statement via the council’s media department.
“Australia Day is an occasion for us all to celebrate what’s great about living in our wonderful country,” he said.
“As always, we’ll be staging a mix of fun and formalities to ensure everyone enjoys a great day on the banks of the beautiful Murray River.
“The program includes a Welcome to Country and a First Nations touch football challenge to celebrate our indigenous community as well as ceremonies to welcome our new arrivals and to acknowledge our hard-working volunteers, so I encourage everyone to join what will be another great Australia Day.”