Trainer hits out at Sydney activist

Sacked football trainer Ken Campagnolo has taken a swipe at Sydney activist Gary Burns for declaring he is going to sue Jeff Kennett, without offering him support in his case.

Campagnolo is still searching for legal help, saying he’s had no luck with legal aid and is having difficulty keeping his case on the rails.

Campagnolo has had continual strike-out applications upheld in cases made to the VCAT against the AFL, the Benalla and District Football League and the Bonnie Doon Football Club.

He took his complaints to VCAT earlier this year after he was sacked from his Bonnie Doon Football club because he was bisexual.

-œHas Gary Burns approached me to give me a hand? he said. -œIt’s got nothing to do with him. What’s Gary Burns got to do with Jeff Kennett?

-œAll I want is for the harassment to stop, to clear my name and be compensated for my loss. As it goes on it’s getting bigger than Ben Hur. It’s just ridiculous.

Campagnolo is still battling with the DSE over claims he was called a -œpoofter and taunted with Barbie dolls.

He lost his case for sexual harassment, but is still pursuing a discrimination claim.

-œThis case shows the need for complainants to have legal advice available to them … lack of access to legal advice should not mean that a case which might otherwise be arguable should be struck out, Judge Marilyn Harbison said at the time.

Burns defended his actions, saying it’s a public interest issue and it’s irrelevant that the comments were made in Victoria.

-œComparing homosexual males with pedophiles under NSW anti-vilification laws is inciting hate, which is a public interest issue, he told Southern Star.

If he wins the case, Burns plans to donate to the NSW gay and lesbian youth organisation Twenty10.

Asked if he’d considered donating to a Victorian charity, Burns responded, -œWell, it’s not really a Victorian issue at all, vilification is a national issue.

-œI’m sorry Ken Campagnolo has had restrictions in the jurisdiction in Victoria, but I’m focusing on the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act and anti-vilification laws under homosexual vilification. I want to get a result that assists my community.’

Burns said the case is in the hands of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Sydney. He is seeking $20,00 in damages.