By Laura Michell
Hume councillor Naim Kurt has apologised for what he has labelled “inappropriate” comments and behaviour and stood down from the council for two months following allegations of misconduct.
As reported by Star Weekly, a complaint about misconduct by Cr Kurt was made to the council in May.
At a June 9 council meeting, councillors considered the issue and agreed to reprimand Cr Kurt and accept his offer to take unpaid leave for two months.
In a statement, Cr Kurt said he had made “inappropriate comments” about work and council issues to a former partner last year.
He said the comments “did not reflect the professionalism” in which he had conducted himself as a councillor.
“Although these comments were made in jest and the heat of the moment, the language used did not meet council’s, the community’s or my own personal standards,” the statement said.
“I accept I have made an error and have offered to step away from council for two months without pay.
“I unreservedly apologise to those affected and to the wider community, and have sought professional support to atone for this mistake.
“I remain committed to working hard to rebuild trust and faith in my role on return.”
Cr Kurt told Star Weekly he had immediately apologised and offered up a number of sanctions to council, including undertaking coursework, charitable work and leave without pay.
“That should hopefully show the seriousness of which I have taken the matter and my willingness to spare council and councillors any more anguish of a full investigation which would have taken council away from its duties of serving and continuing to deliver for the community,” he said.
Hume council said it did not tolerate “inappropriate” conduct.
“We do not tolerate threats of violence against women or any person, racial discrimination, or any other form of inappropriate conduct,” a council statement said.
“Our community rightly expects and deserves its elected council representatives to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to act in a manner that supports and protects our community. “
In May, Cr Kurt said he and members of his family have been victims of “ongoing harassment by an individual” over the past two months.
“I first referred this matter to police in mid-March this year and it remains an ongoing police matter,” he said
“This has been a deeply distressing time for myself and my family and has had a significant impact on my mental health.”
