Concerns about ethics in local governance have emerged following the announcement of the Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism (CAM Summit). Scheduled for early September 2023 on the Gold Coast, this event aims to promote the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and bolster support for Israel, which includes advocating for bans on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
The summit has prompted a backlash, with hundreds of letters sent to local councillors across Australia urging them to decline the invitation to attend the all-expenses-paid event organized by the Israel-US-based CAM movement. Councillors received initial invitations earlier this year, followed by reminders from CAM’s CEO, Sasha Roytman, who previously led a team responsible for the Israel Defense Forces’ digital media strategy.
Ethical Implications Highlighted
The lavish nature of the summit has raised ethical questions among local officials. Councillor Gideon Cordover from Kingborough, Tasmania, expressed his astonishment at the substantial offer of hospitality, describing it as a “hard sell” that raised significant ethical red flags. He remarked, “We’re talking big money. In my six years on local council in Tasmania, I’ve never come across such a tactic by a lobby group with such a wide-reaching cash splash.”
Local government Codes of Conduct differ across Australia but commonly advise councillors against accepting gifts that could create a perception of influence over their decisions. The summit’s agenda clearly aims to influence policies, with its primary goal being the integration of the IHRA definition into local government frameworks and the establishment of a Municipal Antisemitism Action Index to assess the effectiveness of councils in combating antisemitism.
While some councils maintain transparency registers to document benefits received, others only require registration for accepted offers. In Sydney, one council staff member advised councillors to decline the CAM invitation. Although an exception exists for attending events as part of official council business, potential conflicts of interest complicate the situation, particularly as the invitation letters mentioned both “partners” and “sponsors.”
Opposition from Local Communities
The Australian Services Union (ASU) has launched a campaign against the CAM Summit, voicing concerns about its connections to the Israeli military and individuals with a history of controversial remarks. Phillipa Balk, assistant branch secretary of the ASU Vic Tas Authorities and Services Branch, urged local government officials to refrain from participating and to collaborate with their communities to combat all forms of racism.
With over 500 councils in Australia, the summit’s claims of involvement from 70 councils remain unverified, as CAM has not responded to inquiries. The agenda includes speakers from 14 councils, and the summit has already sparked debate within local governments. In Wollongong, Councillor Ryan Morris sought approval to accept the invitation, which led to discussions among his colleagues, many of whom declined the invitation.
Concerns have been raised that Morris did not adequately investigate the summit’s implications. Local resident Shoshana Dreyfus voiced her worries, stating that the CAM movement uses a controversial definition of antisemitism that stifles criticism of Israeli actions. She emphasized that the fight against antisemitism should be part of broader anti-racism efforts.
Some councils, including Woollahra and Waverley, which have already adopted the IHRA definition, are sending contingents of councillors. Woollahra’s council is covering its costs, while Waverley’s representatives will present Australia’s first local government antisemitism plan. Meanwhile, several councils in Sydney’s North Shore have indicated that their councillors will not attend.
The summit has also attracted attention due to the participation of David Gonski, a respected corporate lawyer and chair of the organizing committee, raising further questions about the event’s ethical standing. MWM has reached out to Gonski for clarification regarding his involvement and its compatibility with his role as Chancellor of the University of New South Wales.
As discussions continue, the implications of the CAM Summit extend beyond local governance, touching on broader social issues and the nature of advocacy in Australia. The ethical landscape surrounding this event will likely evolve as local councils weigh their decisions and the potential impact on their communities.
