Mr Coulton spoke and voted against the motion to implement a “ban on facial coverings in government buildings and where possible public places, excluding places of worship, where it assists with security and public safety”.

“I certainly knew it was code for burqa and if The Nationals had voted for this on Sunday then the party would have been labeled anti-Muslim and anti-burqa,” he said. 

He said the burqa was “not an issue for the towns I represent”. “There is the odd person wearing a full burqa but the Muslim women we see around Dubbo have head scarves on and their faces are uncovered. Mr Coulton said people should be more concerned about criminals wearing sunglasses and hoodies who break into homes and businesses. “If we start singling people out for their religious beliefs, we’re on a slippery slope.”