By Laura Michell
Whittlesea councillor Mary Lalios has returned to council for the first time since April.
Cr Lalios made a brief appearance at last Tuesday’s council meeting, staying 15 minutes.
She was present to hear questions from the community and petitions but left the meeting before the council dealt with its first report from officers.
Cr Lalios last attended a council meeting on April 3 and has made a WorkCover claim.
Her absence has been a contentious issue among councillors, with some questioning why she is able to perform her duties as Municipal Association of Victoria president while absent from council.
Under the Local Government Act, a person ceases to be a councillor if they miss four consecutive ordinary council meetings without obtaining leave from the council.
