| Mayor Condemns Councillor's Remarks Following Heated Cumberland Council Meeting |
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Statement from Mayor Ola Hamed:
27/08/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: As a councillor, and particularly as the first female Muslim Mayor of Cumberland, I have been subjected to a sustained pattern of abuse. This has included misogynistic remarks, Islamophobic slurs, and threats targeting both my role and my identity.
Unfortunately, my experience is not isolated. Women in public life across Australia, particularly women of colour and women from minority faith backgrounds, continue to report similar patterns of gendered and racialised abuse. This reflects a broader issue that urgently requires attention and action.
The sexist comments made by Councillor Paul Garrard towards a female councillor during last night's Council meeting must be unequivocally condemned.
What was equally concerning was Councillor Garrard's apparent inability to recognise the impact of his offensive behaviour in front of members of the public, including a young mother and her three children who were present in the chamber.
This mother had made the decision to attend the meeting to witness female leaders in action and to demonstrate to her children the importance of civic participation. Instead, she found herself having to urge a senior elected representative to stop making disgraceful comments. This is unacceptable.
"Women in politics are sick and tired of offensive behaviour from men who act as though it is 1926, not 2026. This conduct has no place in modern public life. It does not reflect the values of Cumberland, nor the expectations of our community."
"Too many women enter public life wanting to make a positive difference, only to find themselves subjected to personal attacks, intimidation and disrespect simply because of who they are."
"Given the recent reports of behaviour towards women across Sydney, it is clear we need to lift the standard of debate in politics. We must create an environment where women can thrive, lead and contribute without having to fend off attacks on a daily basis."
I also believe that, as politicians, we have a responsibility to lower the temperature of public discourse. We need to start treating one another with greater kindness, respect and humanity.
This is not the Australia that I know and love, and it is not the Australia I want to be part of. Every person has the right to a workplace that is safe, respectful and free from intimidation, harassment and discrimination.
On a systemic level, we must all do more to address women's safety, both in and outside of politics. That means challenging unacceptable behaviour whenever we see it, holding people accountable for their actions, and fostering a culture where women are respected, supported and encouraged to lead.
"The future of our democracy depends on ensuring women can participate fully and safely in public life. We cannot expect more women to put themselves forward if abuse, sexism and intimidation are accepted as the price of leadership."
"The message must be clear: there is no place for sexism, racism, religious intolerance or harassment in our political institutions, our workplaces or our community."
I remain focused on serving the people of Cumberland and representing our diverse community with dignity, respect and integrity.
Clr Ola Hamed
Mayor
Cumberland City Council |
