Chamber should be ashamed

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce should hang its head in shame for diverting the democratic process at the dinner held at The Boathouse restaurant on Monday, November 5.

Phillip Ruddock had been invited to speak on international terrorism and asylum-seekers and tickets were sold to any interested member of the public.

Six ticket holders were refused entry to the dinner because they were involved in a peaceful demonstration outside the restaurant prior to Ruddock's arrival.

Has the Central Coast fallen to the level where concerned citizens are forbidden from taking part in a community event?

Does the Chamber of Commerce really believe that avoidance of healthy discussion and debate about human rights issues is the right strategy to take?

The more that members of the public are willing to speak out and take a stand on social and political issues, the more robust and dynamic our democratic society will become.

Debbie Notara, Terrigal.