Abiad departure a blow for council’s dominant faction

The City Council’s dominant faction could be struck a blow by the shock resignation of the former deputy lord mayor Houssam Abiad, who has relocated to Saudi Arabia.

• Adelaide City Councillor Houssam Abiad, a former deputy lord mayor, has quit the council
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Team Adelaide risks losing its majority in Town Hall following the resignation of Houssam Abiad, prompting a “battle for the heart and soul” of the city.

Team Adelaide has five remaining councillors Simon Hou, Mary Couros, Arman Abrahimzadeh, Franz Knoll and deputy lord mayor Alexander Hyde.

Robert Simms, Anne Moran, Phil Martin and Helen Donovan are considered the minority, while Jessy Khera is an independent.

The minority faction could gain another member in a by-election, meaning each side would have equal numbers.

If each team has five members and they vote together, independent member Cr Khera would determine the outcome of council matters.

The City revealed yesterday Mr Abiad resigned from council to take up other business interests in Adelaide and overseas.

Deputy Lord Mayor Alex Hyde said another member to the minority could hinder the city’s progression.

“This by-election will be a battle for the heart and soul of Adelaide," Cr Hyde said.

“There are two distinct sides in this council chamber – one represents the old do-nothing fear mongering that holds us back and the other is the politics of progress and prosperity.

“Our capital city must mature and should no longer accept loitering at the back of the pack.”

Adelaide City Council Group shot. Supplied Adelaide City Council

At the 2018 election, Jumo Studio director, Restless Dance Theatre marketing business development manager and East End Co-ordination Group president Julie Moralle was fourth in line to secure a spot on council, behind Crs Hou, Abiad and Khera.

She told The City she had not made a “firm decision” about whether she would run.

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However, she said she would be an independent that “backs ideas that are good for the future of our city” if she did.

Cr Robert Simms said the by-election would be a “referendum on Team Adelaide” and could mean a “new beginning” for the “dysfunctional” chamber.

“This could totally change the dynamic at Town Hall because, at the moment, this is the faction we have and (it) exerts (its) numbers in a brutal way,” Mr Simms said.

“It will be more of the same if we retain the same majority, or an opportunity for a new start.”

Mr Abiad and Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor were contacted for comment.