Spotlight on behaviour

By Bridget Brady
CASEY councillors this week voted to urge the Minister for Local Government to amend conflict of interest laws.
The move comes a few days after a special council meeting was called to discuss the behaviour of Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford as examined in a recent Ombudsman’s report.
The majority of civic leaders at Tuesday night’s council meeting said the current conflict of interest laws needed to be changed in relation to when a councillor had a complaint about a fellow councillor.
Under the Act, if a complaint arises both councillors involved are allowed in the discussion and decision-making process as they do not have to declare a conflict of interest.
Cr Bradford said this was “quite ridiculous”.
Edrington Ward councillor Daniel Mulino said it was a serious error and mistake in the Act.
“Quite clearly, they have a massive stake. Quite clearly, they have a massive bias,” Cr Mulino said.
Councillors directly involved in a complaints process had too much at stake to vote on the matter as it would blatantly affect their decision making, Cr Mulino said.
Councillor Simon Curtis likened it to a court of law where the defence and the prosecution presented their case, but let the jury decide the outcome.
Mayor Lorraine Wreford did not support the idea and said she could not see the benefit of a change.
“Currently, we’ve got equality,” Cr Wreford said.
The conflict of interest provisions are currently under review.
The special council meeting to discuss Cr Bradford’s actions will be held Tuesday 23 March.