Michaela Meade
Hume deputy mayor Jack Medcraft has backed calls for a monitor to be appointed to oversee the council.
As reported by Star Weekly, Cr Jodi Jackson called for a monitor last month after eight arbiter’s reports were presented to a council meeting, costing ratepayers $49,500.
Eleven allegations of breaches of Hume’s Councillor Code of Conduct were investigated as part of an internal arbitration process into the conduct of Cr Trevor Dance.
This arbitration process was instigated by a group of councillors who were represented by Cr Carly Moore.
The arbiter’s report found Cr Dance contravened eight clauses of the Code of Conduct.
Cr Dance submitted seven applications instigating internal arbitration processes against mayor Joseph Haweil and councillors Moore, Jack Medcraft and Karen Sherry.
The arbiter ruled that none of those councillors had breached the Code of Conduct.
The reports followed an earlier arbiter’s report, which was tabled at the July 12 council meeting, and cost ratepayers $3000.
At the council’s September 13 meeting, Cr Jackson said a monitor was needed to help address “deep cultural issues among councillors at Hume”.
Cr Medcraft said he was initially against Cr Jackson’s suggestion, but he has since changed his mind.
“There’s something terribly wrong here [at council],” he said.
“I was against it at first, but I’ve come around and think… it’s the best way to go.
“I think a monitor might work well.”
Cr Medcraft said he hopes the appointment of a monitor would prevent more “frivolous” complaints.
“Those complaints should be handled in-house,” Cr Medcraft said.
“It’s easier, less cumbersome, and doesn’t cost the ratepayers money.”
Cr Medcraft said the number of reports was unprecedented over his serving terms at council.
“I’ve been on council for 14 years, and up to this term, only had four complaints against me, which were all handled in-house,” he said,
“That’s the way you do it.
“You mediate… and find a common ground between the parties.
“Mature councillors should be able to do that.”
