APRIL 21, 2015 \ MACEDONRANGES.STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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Conduct hearing ‘flawed’ A Hume councillor at the centre of a probe into alleged misconduct has called for a review into the process that led to a fellow councillor being handed a one-month suspension. But community leaders say there is no need for changes and maintain that both councillors ‘‘got off lightly’’. Cr Jack Ogilvie last week urged other councillors to support a motion about writing to the Municipal Association of Victoria outlining concerns about the way code of conduct hearings are held. The motion was defeated, but the Sunbury-based councillor said many questions about the panel set-up remained unanswered. As reported by Star Weekly Weekly, Cr Jack Medcraft plans to appeal the suspension handed down to him after an inquiry into claims the pair breached the code of conduct during a heated meeting about Sunbury’s separation from Hume. Cr Medcraft is barred from taking part in all council meetings, briefings and events until the suspension is complete. Cr Ogilvie was reprimanded. He and Cr Medcraft have described the two-person panel as ‘‘a kangaroo court’’, complaining that no witnesses from an independent investigation held earlier this year were questioned as part of the hearing. They said those present for the latest hearing were not required to take an oath. With a stone-faced Cr Medcraft sitting in the gallery, Cr Ogilvie told last week’s council meeting it was ridiculous that the panel was not required to outline reasons for the decision until after the suspension was completed. Australia’s No#1-Metro Guest Experience
‘‘These people don’t have to justify their decision for 28 days,’’ he said. Cr Ogilvie, who was first elected in 1990, said councillor conduct panels were set up to deal with major breaches of the code. ‘‘This wasn’t gross misconduct; this isn’t what the panels were set up for,’’ he said.
‘‘
They got off lightly … they haven’t learnt anything
’’
- John Rutherford
The conduct hearing followed complaints made after a meeting at Broadmeadows Town Hall last September. It was alleged Cr Medcraft tussled with a Broadmeadows Progress Association (BPA) supporter over a sign and yelled at a number of people. Cr Ogilvie was accused of intimidating behaviour. BPA secretary John Rutherford said a review was not necessary. ‘‘They got off lightly,’’ he said. ‘‘As elected officials of the city of Hume, they behaved disgracefully. They were rightly pulled up by members of the community and now they are complaining about it. They haven’t learnt anything.’’ A spokeswoman for Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said the framework for councillor conduct panels was set out under the Local Government Act. ‘‘The Andrews government is committed to conducting a review of the act and in doing so will consult with stakeholders, including the MAV,’’ she said.
(Joe Mastroianni)
By Matt Crossman
RON DAVIS
Bullets bloom into art Bullets found in the mud of an abandoned Macedon Ranges shooting range once used by soldiers preparing for war are being transformed as a remarkable tribute to the Anzacs. Trentham leadworker Ron Davis says the chance discovery of a bullet inspired him to begin a project that is helping the RSL. That first bullet dated back to 1906. In the four years since his first discovery, Mr Davis has collected thousands of bullets to re-fashion into commemorative poppies. The poppies are being sold for $75, with proceeds going to the RSL. For more details, email rontheroof@hotmail.com. Full story and more pictures are at www.macedonranges.starweekly.com.au. Matt Crossman
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