This petition is deeply important to me because, as a member of the Liverpool community, I believe our elected representatives must be held to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professional conduct. Local councillors are chosen to serve, unite, and protect all residents, regardless of their cultural or religious background. When a public official repeatedly uses their platform to spread divisive, public, and discriminatory rhetoric, it directly damages the social cohesion of our community.

Peter Ristevski, a sitting councillor on the Liverpool City Council, has consistently demonstrated behavior unbecoming of his role. Numerous instances of inflammatory comments that target specific community groups have surfaced, widening the rift between diverse residents and creating an environment of tension and distrust. Such actions not only contravene the ethical obligations of a public servant but also defy the inclusive spirit that our community strives to uphold.

Liverpool is renowned for its multi-culturalism and community spirit, where every individual, regardless of their background, should feel respected and valued. It is critical for our leaders to model the values of inclusivity and unity. However, Mr. Ristevski's actions seem to suggest otherwise, as he continuously fails to represent and uphold these communal values.

Our concerns are backed by a documented, ongoing pattern of public statements, social media stories, and direct communications. Councillor Ristevski has repeatedly used his platform to target specific religious faiths, cultural groups, and the democratic frameworks of Liverpool through the following statements:

Targeting Cultural Diversity and Integration:

•  Directly stated to constituents: "I am against multiculturalism. We need integration."
• Publicly declared on community forums: "multiculturalism does not work."
• Validated extreme online commentary regarding mass deportations by replying: "we can't let them intimidate us."
•  Used exclusionary language to describe local cultural practices, writing: "This is totally unAustralian and this cultural terrorism does not align with us."
• Published incendiary warnings regarding local council facilities, claiming: "At a time when radical Islamic ideology is rising across Southwest Sydney, councils must act with caution... Liverpool does not need another prayer hall."
•  Stoked public fear regarding local demographics, asserting: "radical Islamic ideology is out of control in Liverpool."
• Amplified extreme narratives regarding local leadership, claiming his political opponents want to "introduce sharia law where every woman who walks the streets will have to be covered in a bur qua."
• Dismissed a resident's council feedback based strictly on their heritage, writing: "I know you're a little bit biased because you are an Arab Muslim but the tone of your comment was arrogant and unnecessary."
•  Targeted an individual's faith in direct communications, stating, "Well, he is Muslim," before generalizing an entire demographic by adding: "Unfortunately, this happens in certain cultures and you have to accept it."
• Responded aggressively to standard community questions regarding local business representations by writing: "I don't know whether you are an Arab islam but not everything's about cutting peoples heads off when they make a comment of fact!!!"
• Criticized inclusive practices at local municipal events, stating: "We are watching our citizenship ceremonies turn into political theatre... Yet we send new citizens mixed messages. No wonder people don't integrate."

 Dismissed community requests to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on local infrastructure by writing: "What's next, the Mayor will be asking for the Hezbolla flag to be put on the library."

The conduct of our councillors directly impacts our everyday lives, shaping the policies and programs that affect our neighborhoods and our future. Allowing Mr. Ristevski to remain in office sends a message that discrimination and divisive rhetoric have a place in our local government, which is unacceptable.

Therefore, I urge Liverpool City Council to take meaningful action by removing Peter Ristevski from office. We must work towards restoring the trust and unity within our community by ensuring that our representatives are held accountable for their actions.

Please sign this petition to demonstrate your support for a more inclusive, respectful, and united Liverpool. Together, we can champion the change needed to preserve the integrity of our council and protect the harmony of our city. Your voice matters in making Liverpool a place where everyone feels part of the community. Sign this petition today, and let's make a positive difference.