Darebin mayor defends decision to scrap Australia Day

Neil Mitchell has clashed with the mayor of Darebin after the council became Melbourne’s second to officially scrap Australia Day celebrations on January 26.

Kim Le Cerf says a lot of people “don’t understand” the meaning of the day and the hurt it causes.

“I think if we all had a better understanding of the history of that date, then perhaps we’d think twice about celebrating,” she said.

The controversy didn’t stop there.

On the matter of marriage equality, Ms Le Cerf revealed the council would make facilities available to those on both sides of the debate.

However, there’s one major difference.

Those in the “yes” camp will be able to use council facilities free of charge.

Those in the “no” camp will have to pay.

“Is that fair?” Neil Mitchell asked.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview