Councilman Admits to Derogatory Tirade Against CEO: "Little Vietnamese Girl with a Boy's Name"
"If people violate limits to attack me, then those limits won't apply to me in response."
— Andrew Thaler, Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor
Sydney, NSW — A sitting councillor for the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has admitted to using a series of highly offensive and racist remarks about the council's CEO, Noreen Vu, in emails and social media posts dating back to November 2025.
Andrew Thaler is facing a stop bullying application brought by the Development and Environmental Professionals' Association (DEPA) on behalf of Vu. In testimony before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, Thaler acknowledged the language, which included:
- Calling Vu a "calculating, conniving, unreasonable person and a liar."
- Describing her as a "despicable, disgusting woman."
- Referencing her as a "little Vietnamese girl with a boy's name."
- Labeling her "corrupt, a bullying psychopath."
- Referring to her as "that short little fucking witch."
Despite the admission, Thaler defended his conduct as a proportionate response. He claimed Vu had attacked him and implied he was a paedophile—an accusation flatly rejected by opposing counsel. "This is give and receive, to and fro, attack and reply," Thaler told the commission.
Ian Latham, the barrister representing DEPA, countered that while robust political criticism is permissible, Thaler's comments crossed a clear line. "They are belittling, grossly offensive, and unreasonable," Latham argued.
Thaler's own lawyer, Sharangan Maheswaran, contended that Vu had been unreasonable in perceiving harm or intimidation. Maheswaran noted that Thaler operates in a "unique and politicised environment" as an elected official.
The proceedings were further complicated when Oshie Fagir, a lawyer for SMRC, interjected that Thaler's testimony included serious allegations made without supporting evidence, warning it "verged on an abuse of process."
Background: A Pattern of Disciplinary Trouble
This is not Thaler's first brush with disciplinary action. Since being elected in 2024, he has been the subject of multiple code of conduct complaints, resulting in two prior suspensions from council. A third suspension was later overturned by NCAT but is currently under appeal by the state government.
Additional matters were confirmed during cross-examination, including a performance improvement order referral and another pending Industrial Relations Commission case.
Next Steps
Commissioner Christopher Muir has requested further written submissions from both parties by June 12, after which a judgment will be delivered.