Northern Midlands Council is being called to develop an LGBTIQA+ inclusion plan as police investigate anti-gay and racially charged graffiti on election signs for Councillor Paul Terrett.
The graffiti, which includes anti-gay and racist slurs such as “f–” and “n—-“, has been spray-painted on two of the incumbent councillor’s election posters.
Penis’ were also graffitied on the poster.
Northern Midlands councillor, Paul Terrett, spoke out about a “festering” hatred and discrimination within the community at an August general meeting.
However, reports have focused on his comments regarding the racist slur and not the homophobic one.
‘Degree of hatred and discrimination still festering in our community’
Cr Terrett said he believed the graffiti on his campaign material was in relation to council endorsing draft reconciliation and domestic and family violence community strategies.
“Many people say, ‘Why do we need these type of strategies?’,” he said.
“It really hit me in the face this week that on a couple of my election signs people had put n—- on them. That type of behaviour just shows that there is a degree of hatred and discrimination still festering in our community.“
Councillor Paul TerrettSource: northernmidlands.tas.gov.au
According to The Examiner, Cr Terrett later admitted he should not have used the slur publicly when describing the graffiti.
“It was not to cause offence, but to highlight the reality of the racism,” he said. Cr Terrett said he was concerned for the young First Nations people who had to see the hateful language in the places they live.
QNews reached out for comment regarding the homophobic aspect of the graffiti from Cr Terrett, but had not recieved a response at the time of publishing.
Calls for Northern Midlands Council LGBTIQA+ inclusion plan
Equality Tasmania has condemned anti-gay graffiti on the local election posters in the state’s north.
“The anti-gay graffiti against Cr Terrett is a reminder that hate didn’t disappear with marriage equality,” said Equality Tasmania spokesperson Rodney Croome.
“This kind of graffiti will discourage LGBTIQA+ people from standing for public office, which will be a loss for the whole community. I urge community leaders to speak out against this attack to send a message that hate is no longer acceptable.”
Croome also urged Northern Midlands Council to develop an LGBTIQA+ inclusion plan along similar lines to other Tasmanian councils.
Earlier this year, Burnie City Council invited people to have their say in shaping North West Tasmania’s first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.
Burnie’s LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group was formed last year when Burnie City Council voted to support equality and inclusion in April 2025. Local community members with lived experience helped guide the process.
The initiative marks an important step in strengthening inclusion, safety and belonging across Burnie and the wider North West region. Could Northern Midlands be next?
Graffiti reported to Tasmania Police
Tasmanian Police have asked anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers and quote OR 813739.
They are investigating reports of several signs and property across the Tasmanian Perth area which were graffitied overnight between 6 pm August 15 and 9 am August 16.
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