SYDNEY - The Australian Taxpayers' Alliance, the nation's largest grassroots advocacy group, today questioned Bayside Council's proposed change to local law. Bayside Council is considering banning barbeques due to a couple of complaints about smoke.
"Few pastimes are as Australian as a summer barbeque. Those complaining to their city councils about the smell, should consider moving elsewhere. If that is asking too much, clearly the smoke isn't too much of a bother."
"The discomfort from smoke is a small inconvenience, easily outweighed by the benefits of a backyard barbeque," said ATA Policy Director Emilie Dye. "Barbeques provide many a setting to make friends, connect with family, and celebrate national holidays including Christmas and Australia day."
"The Bayside Council claims to care about culture and community. But they are considering banning an activity core to Australian culture and key to community building."
"To ban BBQs would infringe on the property rights of landowners. Many homeowners purchased homes with backyards for the explicit purpose of having friends and family over for summer BBQs."
"It isn't the responsibility of city councils to alleviate every 'annoyance' in the community."
"The Bayside Council has overstepped. They are considering infringing on people's freedom in order to destroy a positive activity."
