CANDIDATES DEBATE OFFENDS CATHOLIC VALUES

FORMER Fremantle councillor Marija Vujcic and members of the public have written to Notre Dame University to express dismay and disappointment at the conduct of participants at ‘The Great Debate’ on February 19.
In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell, Ms Vuycic said as a practising Catholic she was offended at the disrespectful mockery of the Christian tradition during the packed event at Tannock Hall to hear four of eight contenders who accepted invitations to speak on why they wanted to represent Fremantle in state parliament on March 8.
Ms Vujcic questioned whether such events should be held in the blessed hall named after Notre Dame’s first VC Peter Tannock, 84, when a public venue would have been more appropriate.
The former Catholic school teacher and several people who attended and posted similar comments said Fremantle Chamber of Commerce CEO and moderator Chrissie Maus performed like a game show host, “rather than a professional woman who promised to be inclusive and respectful”.
Instead of having chairs just for the four attending candidates, ‘props’ were placed on four empty chairs including Liberal candidate Serena Kipling (represented by a seagull);  Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party WA Nicoletta Raffaelli (boxing kangaroo); Legalise Cannabis Party WA Dave Foley (Bon Scott + fake joint); and Australian Christians Peter Watt (cross and rosary Ms Maus wore to a Halloween party).
Ms Vujcic’s letter to the VC states: “It is my understanding that you sat in the front row two seats up from where I was sitting so both of us got a ringside view of the show that was billed as The Great Debate.
“Ms Maus was disrespectful of our shared values as Catholics when she mocked the absent candidate from the Australian Christian Party under the crucifix of our Lord.”
She said Ms Maus did not acknowledge the VC’s presence yet introduced and praised Fremantle councillors including the mayor and frequently used the ‘F’ word during the moderation locals have described as disorganised, embarrassing and ‘undemocratic’. Ms Maus also referenced the Fremantle annual elector’s meeting on February 3, “what a shitshow that was”.
A letter of complaint by a second Fremantle resident has been sent to Chancellor Christopher Ellison.
Ms Maus told StreetWise the event attracted messages applauding the “brave and light-hearted fun” and use of digital integration, “and also my refreshing (with a side of sass) MC approach”.
She said Ms Vujcic has just lost a court case with the City of Fremantle (actually WA Electoral Commission), “and no doubt is not in the best spirits. Sometimes when people lash out it’s because they are not in the best place”.
Ms Maus added: “We received so many incredible messages thanking us for our brave and light-hearted fun – especially at a time when there’s so many heavy issues going on around the world.
“My heart goes out to those that couldn’t hold it lightly, as there are bigger (more important) things to get upset about that need our attention. Of course, when you’re cheeky (like me), you may offend someone. But as the vast majority of people who attended know, it was tongue-in-cheek and certainly nothing was said in an offensive manner. And lastly, just for clarity, I absolutely did welcome the VC as per my exact words. And if I had forgotten, which I didn’t, that’s not something worth getting your knickers in a knot over.”
She added: “The VC has spoken to me since, advising he enjoyed the light-hearted fun and thanked me very much for an entertaining evening.”
Notre Dame executive dean and co-organiser Martin Drum said the university has hosted debates since 2008 and invited candidates from the Socialist Alliance and One Nation. He also confirmed that all candidates were invited to the debate: “Some candidates were a little harder to reach where they didn’t have their own phone numbers or email addresses listed.”
Professor Drum told StreetWise the role of the university was to provide a forum for debate and discussion: “We have had candidates who say all sorts of ridiculous stuff and they’re candidates, and that’s pluralism. We don’t censor anyone. They’re candidates, they say their peace, they in no way represent the views of the university. We’re just hosting a debate and discussion.”
Professor Drum, who moderated The State Candidate Pub Test at The Local Hotel on February 25, could not say whether Professor Campbell would respond to Ms Vujcic’s February 22 letter.
He added addressing the “show” referred to in the complaints: “I know the format of the event wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea (it rarely is) but if anyone wants to allege some form of bias or the like I’m happy to follow up.”

Left wing fest

Ms Vujcic raised concerns with the VC over the involvement of Fremantle Network and appearance by ‘Marxist activists’ at Tannock Hall: “The purpose of my letter is to express my concerns about the appropriateness of facilitating certain events within a Catholic facility.”
The Great Debate was not one of them. Moderated by Ms Maus, Professor Drum and retired judge Michael Barker, the debate was attended by candidates Felicity Townsend (Greens), Kate Hulett (Voices4Freo), Natashia Boland (Animal Justice Party) and sitting member Simone McGurk (Labor). Ms Maus and Ms Hulett also join the City’s Destination Marketing Working Group in 2025.

UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1865: Karl Marx (1818-1883), philosopher and German politician. (Photo by Roger Viollet Collection/Getty Images)

Ms Vujcic said ‘independent’ candidate Kate Hulett’s campaign manager Jessie Noakes is a well-known activist arrested in 2023 for protesting at the home of Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill. Mr Noakes also was involved in the Tent City political stunt outside Ms McGurk’s office opposite Pioneer Park.
In her bid to unseat Labor, Ms Hulett receives political donations from Climate 200 founded by Simon Holmes a Court, son of Australia’s first billionaire Robert Holmes a Court.
“This association, along with the involvement of the Fremantle Network, a Marxist lobby group, and other participants at the event who do not express sympathy for Catholicism or Christianity, raises important questions about whether this event is appropriate for a Catholic venue.
“What are the reasons for allowing such an event on consecrated ground with participants who are hostile to our Lord Jesus Christ and our religion?”
In her letter to Chancellor Chris Ellison, vaccine safety campaigner Dominique Mimnagh said she was offended by comments made about the absent Australian Christians candidate and was not surprised the more conservative candidates did not attend: “It was especially offensive as it was in a Catholic University. I truly hope that you do not allow these unprofessional and undemocratic groups of people to use your facility again.
“A true debate has people on both sides, this one certainly didn’t, it was a left wing gang club.”
She described Ms Maus’ impartiality as astounding and could not believe the foul language and put-downs during the debate in which reference was made to Ms McGurk having lived with Premier Roger Cook some 20 years ago. Relevance?
“I had my hand up and my husband, who was on the other side of the room, saw a lady point to me and signal to Chrissie not to allow me to ask a question.
“What kind of democratic debate was this? It was an utter disgrace and the people involved should be ashamed of themselves.”
Fremantle Society president John Dowson did not attend but told StreetWise it is disrespectful not to acknowledge the people who lent organisers the hall free of charge.
“I would certainly welcome the vice chancellor if he was there,” he said, adding the debate should have been recorded. Several phone recordings of the debate have appeared online.
“The symbolism is very obvious and very insulting. It’s more than just fun.”