Brisbane Council faces more questions

BRISBANE Council is facing more questions after a copy of talking points provided to council call centre staff in regards to how to respond to public enquires about a controversial Brisbane Queer Film Festival promotional poster surfaced last week.

Censorship of the poster in question, perceived homophobia, responsibility for its removal and conflicting reports over the timeline of events have all come under public scrutiny during the past weeks.

In the ‘script’ that was released on February 21 and updated on February 28, call centre staff are directed to repeat council’s original position over the poster, stating that it was “held in order for a review to be conducted by the Advertising Standards Board (ASB)”.

However, news that the ASB had rejected council’s request was released on February 24. The updated version of the script on February 28 contains the same point about the poster and the ASB from the original February 21 script.

“Based on media reports about the ASB’s knock back of council’s request, it would appear that wrong information is being given out,” Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Action Group founder Phil Browne told the Star Observer.

“If this is intentional, it is of great concern.”

The call centre script also stated that “many” had found the poster too confronting which in turn lead to the ASB request.

The Star Observer understands that the chair of Council’s Lifestyles Committee Cr Krista Adams decided to remove the poster without any consultation with the community or other councillors.

Requests to clarify this point have gone unanswered by Cr Adams’ office.

Responding to media requests about the script, a council spokesperson told the Star Observer that the call centre “ is a facility to keep Brisbane residents informed about programs, events and local issues.

“Residents are encouraged to contact council through the call centre to report concerns or gain further information about council areas of interest.

“The call centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is the best contact method for urgent issues, such as traffic light problems, lost animals, dangerous dogs and public safety concerns.”