Msw 20150915

Page 1

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

(Supplied)

NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE

Ticks of disapproval CHRISTINA SAVO WITH FOUR-YEAR-OLD GERMAN SHEPHERD ZARA

Climate change and interstate holidays are thought to have brought the Australian parasite tick to Melbourne’s doorsteps, leading to this month being dubbed ‘Ticktember’ for canines and felines. While feeding on your pet’s blood, the tick injects a poison that causes paralysis and can be life-threatening. Their bites don’t affect humans this way. The Ticktember campaign has kicked off to raise awareness about these unwanted blood-suckers, with spring being the season when ticks develop into adults. Sumeyya Ilanbey

Councillor gag outrage A new policy that restricts Melton councillors from freely expressing their views to the media has been labelled as an “outrageous attack” on freedom of speech by state MPs. The policy, adopted by the council last week, limits councillors’ ability to comment to the media in ways that don’t portray them and the mayor as a “united team”. Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has slammed the policy as a threat to freedom of speech and councillors’ abilities to effectively

represent their communities. “It is an outrageous attack on freedom of speech,” he said. “If something goes wrong in a councillor’s ward, they cannot publicly criticise a council decision? It almost negates the need of councillors. If councillors are not allowed to stand up for their constituents, what’s the use of having them?” Melton MP Don Nardella, who referred to the policy as “bureaucratic bullshit” , said it was important for councillors and politicians to be critical of their parties, policies and leaders.

1198765-RC37-15 10026541-06

Melton

Bacchus Marsh Area

Area

• We assist you all the way from permit to completion • Engineered in accordance to Aust Standards for local conditions 150 High Street Melton

www.aussiebuiltsheds.com.au

Phone 9971 5257

“It’s critical to be able to express your view, regardless of who you are, and that has to be at the forefront of this debate,” Mr Nardella said. Council customer engagement manager Dan Hogan said the consequences for the media organisation and the councillor who breached the policy, would depend on the “nature of the engagement and the information divulged, and the accuracy and legality of the published work”. “Possibilities range from no ramifications to legal proceedings,” he said. After a lengthy debate at last week’s council meeting, councillors resolved to add an extra

point to the policy, which states: “In making comments to the media, any personal views of councillors on issues that may be contrary to a council adopted position or on matters yet to be considered by council, should be clearly identified as the personal views of that councillor.” Watts ward councillor Lara Carli, who opposed parts of the policy, said certain issues raised in the document were “trying to gag councillors from speaking up”, and parts of the policy could compromise her duties as a councillor.

MU-X 4X2 LS-M 7 SEAT AUTO

36,990

$

MENTION THIS AD FOR FREE GIFT

DRIVEWAY*

EXCLUSIVE 3.0L ISUZU TURBO DIESEL • PREMIUM AUDIO w/ BLUETOOTH® & IPOD® CONNECTIVITY • OUTSTANDING 3.0T TOWING+ • FUEL EFFICIENT 8.1L/100KM# • REAR PARK ASSIST

1197546-CG36-15

By Sumeyya Ilanbey

158-166High Street,Melton Ph:8746 0380 *Program price subject to change. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $396 extra. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Msw 20150915 by Star Weekly - Issuu