Councillor apologies over racial slur on state environment minister

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said such ignorance from an elected official was appalling.

He said Quandamooka people were proud of Ms Enoch, the first Quandamooka person to hold such office.

On Saturday night Cr Hansen wrote of Ms Enoch on Facebook: “…apparently she’s supposed to be black David, looks as white as you and I.”

He reportedly made the comments on fellow Fraser Coast Cr David Lewis’ Facebook page about a meeting he had with Ms Enoch regarding ex-HMAS Tobruk. The post was later deleted.

Mr Costello said Cr Hansen should unreservedly apologise for ridiculing her claims to be Aboriginal.

“To determine Leeanne’s Aboriginality by the perceived colour of her skin is offensive to her bloodline connection to Quandamooka country, which runs back thousands of years,” he said.

“Exactly this type of slight was found to be unlawful racial discrimination in the Andrew Bolt case and highly offensive to reasonable Aboriginal people.”

Cr Hansen said that he had withdrawn the comment as soon as he saw people were taking it the wrong way and were being offended.

“I meant no ill intent by it,” he said. “I wish I never made it and have written to the minister, offering my sincere apologies for hurt I may have caused her.

“I’m always happy to learn more. That’s what life is all about I reckon.”

Mr Costello said Ms Enoch was a direct Quandamooka descendant.

This was recognised by the Federal Court of Australia which determined who comprised the Quandamooka people.

He said her family’s Aboriginal connection was indisputable, as reports over 16 years of negotiations for the determination of native title showed.

“QYAC stands with Leeanne as she seeks justice over this slur by Cr Hansen,” he said.

“We call on him to immediately and unreservedly apologise to Ms Enoch and all first nations people for his inappropriate and divisive comments.”