In her letter Ms Wilson wrote that my 'dismissive comment' meant that I was entitled' "not to listen".

This statement supposedly uttered by me is categorically untrue.

When I stood to speak in the chamber on the day of the February council meeting at no time did I make the statement that I 'didn't have to listen' to what was being said.

I was not being dismissive I was simply endeavouring to make the point that in conversations when we are listening it does not always follow that we will agree with all that is being said, just as it does not always follow that we won't agree with all that is being said.

To say that I have not listened is incorrect. Each time a member of the community has taken the opportunity to speak at the Public Forum I have listened. Good manners dictate that I do so respectfully, which I have done throughout my time on council.

To suggest otherwise is to bring into question both my integrity and my commitment in the role of shire councillor.

I therefore rebut Ms Wilson's reporting of my comments.

Just as it is Ms Wilson's democratic right to perceive what she heard it is my democratic right to defend my integrity as a person and thank you for the opportunity to do so through this column.

Cr Jacki Watts

Inverell