Overreaction by mayor, claims Griffin

LAST week’s council meeting confirmed for me some concerns I hold about Bass Coast Shire Council.

Firstly, it confirmed what a mockery some of our elected representatives make of their pledge to consider each item without bias, prejudice, or personal interests.

During the debate it was clear to me that for some Councillors the decision to advocate for one side of the national referendum was driven by personal interest.

Secondly, it provided to me further evidence of the authoritarian approach of the current mayor, Cr Michael Whelan.

Readers might recall that in March 2022 he took the unprecedented action of stopping public questions being presented to Council. And he later told ABC radio of his view that the need for public questions at Council meetings is a fantasy.

Last week he clearly showed, in my opinion, his disdain for the merest dissent from community members.

A person had very briefly interjected their disapproval of Council choosing to take sides in the national referendum. With little warning, the Mayor hastily demanded the person leave the public gallery.

When the person refused to leave, the Mayor summoned police.

It was what I consider to be a most unprofessional overreaction by the Mayor to a minor interjection.

I believe that had Cr Whelan shown a bit of mature professional restraint, the person would have continued watching the remainder of the meeting without further interruption.

However, this storm-in-a teacup was now blown out of proportion by the Mayor.

No less than six police officers in three squad cars attended.

At the request of officers, the community member willingly and without fuss accompanied them outside for a chat about how to resolve the matter.

Outside the person asked if officers would ask the Mayor to reconsider and allow the community member to sit quietly in the public gallery and watch the remainder of the meeting. I am told that the

Mayor refused this simple request.

I believe that our community deserves much better from these temporary, elected representatives.

They should start by honouring their pledges, and also by exhibiting improved professional maturity.

Kevin Griffin, Wonthaggi