One of the posts shared last week was via the ‘Stop the Mosque in Bendigo’ page, which urged people to list their Christian faith on this year’s national census. 

The post read: ‘One million Muslims will tick their box, 10,000,000 Australians will leave it blank, then wonder why a mosque is being built in their neighbourhood!’. 

The post has since been removed from Cr Rice’s Facebook page.

Cr Rice said the posts were not intended to be discriminatory. 

He said the intention of the sharing the mosque page post and others was to oppose some Islamic beliefs, particularly those supporting Sharia law.

“I was alerted to complaints that had been made regarding the posts via the media,” he said.

“As soon as I was made aware of the complaint, I contacted the mayor to discuss it with him.”

Cr Rice met with Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Murray Emerson on Thursday. 

“Unfortunately we all read things and interpret things differently and I think that is the case right now,” Cr Rice said.

“I have never said ban all Muslims, or anyone from any country for that matter, but I certainly don’t condone the beliefs of those who support Sharia law.”

Cr Rice said his concerns with Sharia law related to arranged marriages of girls as young as nine and rape not being recognised as such unless it was witnessed by another man.

“I am not racist by any means, but any religion that condones beheading or arranged marriages of young girls that lead to acts of pedophilia and rape, I certainly don’t condone that,” he said.

“These are acts that quite simply, I don’t want to see happen in Australia.”

Cr Rice said he was disappointed with the way the matter came to light, via a regional media outlet.

“I am really disappointed that people who were offended by my sharing of these posts didn’t make contact with me in the first instance,” he said.

“No phone call, no email, no visits to my home, no-one even replied to me on Facebook about it. But to get me into a trial by media is really disappointing.”

Cr Emerson said council had taken a dim view of the shared posts.

“Council does not condone in any way, racist or radical remarks made by anyone in our community, least of all by members of the council itself,” he said.

“Unfortunately, some comments made by people expressing a personal opinion via social media can be damaging. 

“I, as the mayor, have spoken to Cr Rice about his Facebook activity and have given him some specific advice. 

“As a result of this, we are endeavouring to get the best result, primarily for members of the Northern Grampians Shire community.

“It is important to note that Cr Rice’s views do not in any way reflect those of other councillors or council staff members. 

“We understand some members of our community will rightly be very upset by these comments. 

“We will need some time to get to the correct outcome. Anyone with concerns is welcome to call me to discuss further.”

Cr Emerson said he was concerned what effect the posts might have on future investment in the shire.

“We will be looking for 350 employees soon for the hydroponics centre in Stawell,” he said.

“Some of those people will have to come from other places. It makes things very difficult when comments are made about race, religion or any relative point that may offend.

“We certainly don’t want to be seen as a racist or radical organisation.

“We accept all races and treat everyone the same.

“On behalf of the shire, anyone who has been offended by any comment attributable to us, we sincerely apologise.”