Two central Victorian councillors - including a former mayor - have breached a code of conduct in criticising the current mayor of their shire on social media.
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Four Campaspe Shire councillors - Annie Vickers, Kristen Munro, Vicki Neele and John Zobec - filed a complaint against Cr Leigh Wilson after he posted two videos to his Facebook page last August and September.
In the first video, Cr Wilson claims mayor Adrian Weston censored him during a meeting, while in the second he says fellow councillors have filed a complaint against him and this prevents him talking further about questions he has on tourism funding.
The complaint filed against Cr Wilson claimed his actions were in breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct, the social media policy and the media relations policy.
An arbiter found Cr Wilson breached the code and the social media policy in his first video, as it criticised and disparaged a councillor.
The arbiter said Cr Wilson had implied dishonesty on behalf of the mayor in this video.
The arbiter determined Cr Wilson also breached the code and the social media policy in his second video by disclosing internal council discussions.
Cr Wilson told the arbiter neither the mayor nor the councillors who lodged the complaint had approached him or asked him to take down the videos.
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In the council's agenda for its January 28 meeting, governance manager Frank Crawley recommends - in line with the arbiter's report - that the council direct Cr Wilson to post an apology to his Facebook page and keep it up for 60 days.
"Coupled with his apparent disregard for the dispute resolution process, the Arbiter queries whether the Council can have any confidence that Cr Wilson will comply with all of his obligations under the [Local Government Act] and the Code in the future," the arbiter reported.
Cr Daniel Mackrell was also accused by the same councillors of breaching the code of conduct and disregarding the social media and media relations policies after writing about the same council meeting on Facebook and approaching local media with grievances.
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He wrote he was "bitterly disappointed in the professionalism of our Chair Adrian Weston" and that it was "un-Australian, our mayor has gone too far this time".
The arbiter found the language was inflammatory and it was reasonable to conclude that the post would undermine morality and teamwork within the council.
As such, it ruled Cr Mackrell had breached the code of conduct and social media policy, and by approaching local media, he had also breached the media relations policy.
It is recommended that Cr Mackrell post an apology on Facebook and keep it there for 60 days.
Cr Mackrell denied breaching the code and policies, and told the arbiter he had tried to resolve the matter with the complainants.
Another allegation against Cr Mackrell, that he failed to disclose a conflict of interest, was found by the Local Government Inspectorate to be unsubstantiated.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
