A RACIAL vilification matter between a senior Balranald Shire Council staff member and contract worker has reached the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

It is alleged the council's general manager, Michael Kitzelmann, called a council subcontractor of Maori descent a gorilla on November 29 last year.

On or around March 9, the complainant, Bayard Tokohihi Heke, lodged a formal complaint ...