A local MP has defended new flyers which call out Ballarat City Council for its focus on global issues.
The flyers, authorized by Member for Western Victoria, Joe McCracken, state issues such as roads and footpaths have been pushed aside by those looking to ‘weaponise global issues at a local level’.
It also suggests former Deputy Mayor Belinda Coates is ‘out of touch’ alongside a photo of the councillor.
The flyers have been released as Ballarat residents receive their council election ballot packs.
Mr. McCracken says everyone has a right to have their say and he’s not telling people how to vote in council elections.
“The people of Ballarat need to know that council should not be involved in international issues,” he said.
“People that are voting need to know what’s happened in council and they need to know that councillors are doing this sort of thing.”
Councillor Belinda Coates was contacted for this story but declined to comment.
