By Brendan Rees
A Casey councillor at the centre of a Melbourne metropolitan newspaper article alleging he’s made “unlawful decision-making” has hit back, saying it is “utter nonsense.”
The Sunday Age published a front page story titled ‘Casey’s law of the land,’ including a two-page report on Sunday 28 October, which reported “There’s been rumblings for years at Casey about the influence of favoured property interests”.
The story also alleged Cr Sam Aziz had “shunned advice” of council staff for two developers to share the cost of an intersection at Hall Road in Cranbourne West.
He was also accused of ignoring “repeated staff advice” for a developer to provide open space and roads between Casey Fields sports complex and the developer’s estate.
It was said that both decisions financially favoured the developer.
The Sunday Age asserted it was not suggesting Cr Aziz had financially benefited from these decisions or had received donations.
Cr Sam Aziz who represents the Springfield Ward and has served as mayor, defended his integrity describing the allegations as “insinuations” and “totally nonsense.”
“It’s just another case of very poor journalism,” he said. “It was a cheap attempt to influence the mayoral vote.”
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon was elected as the new mayor of the City of Casey on Monday 29 October.
“I couldn’t give-a-stuff what the Age thinks. What I care about is the fact that council cannot on any occasions abuse its power just because it can,” Cr Aziz said.
“At the end of the day, I will always stand by my record and I’m very proud of my record,” he added. “There is absolutely no outside influence.
“I have shown over the years that I am capable of drafting my own motions and making my own representations.
“The only favouritism I have is towards my residents and towards creating jobs,” Cr Aziz said.
“It’s not unusual for councillors anywhere in Victoria to overturn the recommendations of the officers – that happens nearly every day of the week.”
However, Cr Aziz conceded council was currently reviewing its planning procedures after a recent public survey revealed planning was council’s worst performing area: “That planning review is causing maybe a couple of people to be really nervous.”
“At the end of the day that outcome will be the best thing that can happen for our residents because we deserve to be efficient in that area – we can’t afford not to be,” he said.
Casey Council and former Mayor Geoff Ablett who represents the Balla Balla Ward did not wish to comment on The Sunday Age article.
Cr Rex Flannery of the Springfield Ward weighed in saying “Why was the article brought out the day before a mayoral election?”
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association president Arvo Talvik called into question Casey Council’s code of conduct.
In a statement The Sunday Age said: “The Age stands by the story.“
