The South Australian council has refuted the allegations of discrimination after refusing to grant permission for a Diwali festival to an Indian community group.
The Punjabi Association of South Australia had accused the Campbelltown council of discrimination after the council denied it permission for the event at Thorndon Park in October.
The Campbelltown Council CEO Paul Di Iulio told SBS Punjabi that the application was refused because of complaints of noise levels and fireworks when the festival was organized last time in 2014. He said the entire bond was retained because of it.
The association president Kuldip Chugha denied there were any complaints about noise levels or garbage being left behind.
Mr. Chugha had claimed he was told during the council meeting that the event would not appeal to the wider community.
"They are saying that if you want to hold a function you have to speak English there," he was quoted as saying.
However, the council CEO refuted the claims.
“This is not the case. We asked that all major announcements should be made in English as well so that other people feel inclusive,” said Mr. Di Iulio.
Mr. Chugha had alleged that discriminatory comments were made during the meeting.
Though Mr. Di Iulio refuted allegations of discrimination, he did acknowledge that “inappropriate” comments were made during the council meeting by a councillor who opposed the application.
Council member John Kennedy had reportedly said “we will probably get them turning around, shrugging their shoulders and saying ‘me know nothing”.
“I acknowledge the comments were inappropriate,” said Mr. Di Iulio. “The Punjabi council has written to us alleging Breach of Conduct.”
He said an investigation by an external body will look into those allegations.
He said to reconsider the application, another meeting of the council should be held.
