By BRIDGET COOK
A FORMER Casey mayor said tough new powers to rein in rogue councillors during sessions would have been useful during his term.
This month the State Government announced that it would introduce tough new laws to remove misbehaving councillors from council meetings.
Following a review into councillor conduct and governance, legislation is now being drafted to be introduced in the Victorian Parliament this year. The new legislation will give mayors the power to suspend misbehaving councillors.
If the individual councillor continues to misbehave after two warninings, the mayor will have the power to suspend the councillor from the meeting.
Former Casey mayor and current councillor Sam Aziz said the powers would have been useful during his term two years ago when the council was shrouded with controversy.
“I believe in the current council term these powers won’t be necessary as we have a group of wonderful councillors working together and conducting themselves in a responsible manner for the good of this city,” Cr Aziz said.
“But in previous council terms, including my time as mayor, these powers were very much needed.
“There were a couple of councillors, who are no longer on council, who grandstanded at every opportunity they could.
“These are good powers to have, but I’m sure the current mayor won’t have to use them.”
Cr Aziz said he believed the new legislation would put a stop to rogue councillors grandstanding during meetings for political gain.
Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said the new legislation would be instrumental in raising the standard of councillor behaviour.
“Council meetings are for important discussion and decision-making, and cannot afford to be marred by inappropriate councillor behaviour as has been the case in some municipalities,” she said.
“In the past, some councillors have thought they can get away with unruly, disrespectful and inappropriate behaviour during council meetings – this must stop.
“While most councillors conduct themselves appropriately and in accordance with their code of conduct, when they fail to do so, these new reforms will enhance the act’s existing provisions for dealing with misconduct.”
Mrs Powell said councillors must lead by example, acting with respect and integrity, in a way that encouraged public confidence in the office of councillor.
“It must be remembered that councillors are elected representatives with a significant public role and the community expects them to maintain high standards of conduct at all times,” she said.
