weekender the inner city FRI 23 MAY 2014 • Issue 188
Printed on 100% recycled paper
Casey’s new tour
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT P
Trades & Services Tra Need help at your place this weekend? p.30
Camera shy Council Motion to broadcast meetings on the Internet defeated CHRIS CONNOLLY
Donovan celebrates ten year career p.23
Marrickville Medal p.11
Man falls off balcony All your latest police news inside p.6
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proposal to have Marrickville Council meetings streamed live was rejected by Council at its meeting this week. The idea was put forward by Greens councillor Max Phillips who argued that the idea would improve public access, increase accountability and “hopefully” improve the behaviour of councillors. “Public exposure is often the best way to ensure politicians are acting in the public interest and are behaving to expected standards,” Cr Phillips said. “Other councils such as Wollongong, Warringah and Mudgee already stream meetings online and the technology is improving and becoming cheaper every day. Marrickville Council should come into the 21st century.” His colleague Cr Melissa Brooks has previously raised concerns about aggressive and bullying behaviour at council meetings. “I am hopeful that, should this measure be adopted by Council, the additional public scrutiny will mean an improvement in behaviour, and more constructive and measured debates,” Cr Brooks said. “The Greens’ policy is always for greater transparency and public participation because it is more likely to promote behaviour and outcomes that are in the public interest.” However, other councillors saw problems with the idea. Story continues on » p. 3
Cr Max Phillips and Cr Melissa Brooks wanted to see live streaming of Council meetings
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