A CALL to ban topless bathing in NSW has received a mixed response from residents and visitors to the Macleay.
Conservative MP Fred Nile said last week that he was preparing a bill to ban the practice across the State.
He said Australia’s reputation as a conservative society was at risk from more liberal overseas views.
“Our beaches should be a place where no one is offended, whether it’s their religious or cultural views,” he said.
“I think if you survey Australian women you’ll find a lot of women would be uncomfortable if it became the custom (to be) topless at the beach.
“Australia’s always been a conservative country as far as beachwear goes.
“Once being topless is accepted as lawful the next question will be why can’t women go totally nude on a public beach and I don’t think Australians want to go down that pathway.”
The leaders of the State’s two major political parties have both said the matter is an issue for local councils, while others have said they would be supporting Reverend Nile’s bill. Kempsey Shire Council currently has no regulations in place either restricting or permitting the practice of topless bathing.
“Council hasn’t resolved anything,” Ken Ward said.
“Police can deal with people not dressing appropriately, things like indecent exposure, but there are no regulations in place for our beaches.”
At Hat Head last week beachgoers were not overly committed to a ban on women baring their breasts.
“I’m from Cronulla and I hardly ever see women topless,” Rachel Barry said.
“If they do it’s normally at some of the more private inlets.
“As long as people do it on beaches that permit it I have no problem with it.”
Individuals with families were less accepting, but said as long as women were discreet and mindful of other beachgoers they saw no problem with the practice.
“It doesn’t bother me personally,” Brisbane’s Vanessa Stringer said.
“But not with kids around.
“As long as they go somewhere discreet I’m fine with it.”
Kylie Lawson said she too could see how topless bathing could offend families with young children.
“When we came down here there were two women topless near the beach entrance,” she said.
“I have two teenage daughters and they were quite horrified.
“They weren’t comfortable at all.
“It’s a big beach. I don’t see why they’re near the main drag.”
However, Sydney residents Scott Godfrey and Wade Morgan both said they were fine with the idea of topless women on the beach.
“I can’t see a reason why not,” Mr Godfrey said.
“Be a bit discreet about it sure, but the practice has been going on for how many years now?”
Mr Morgan said the beach was all about people enjoying themselves.
“I’m all for it. It’s what the beach is about,” he said.