Councillor booted from CEO performance review committee
An eastern suburbs councillor has been booted from a committee for allegedly making “beyond inappropriate” comments about a colleague.
East, Inner Suburbs & Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from East, Inner Suburbs & Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Burnside is a ‘complete basket case’, says new councillor
- Get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
A Norwood, Payneham & St Peters councillor has been removed from a committee after allegedly making “beyond inappropriate” comments about a colleague.
The Messenger understands Cr Scott Sims questioned Cr Sue Whitington’s ability as an elected member during a phone call with Cr John Minney several weeks ago.
Cr Minney then reported the conversation to the council.
Cr Sims, who was elected to the council in November last year, was removed from his position on the chief executive officer’s performance review committee during a confidential discussion at the end of the council’s last meeting.
It is understood Cr Sims was not aware of the allegations against him until immediately before the confidential discussion.
Mayor Robert Bria advised him to consider his position in terms of remaining in the meeting and Cr Sims then removed himself from the chamber due to a perceived conflict of interest.
Council minutes, which were made public after the discussion, show the 10 elected members voted unanimously to remove Cr Sims from the committee.
Mayor Robert Bria said after the decision Cr Sims’ comments were “beyond inappropriate” and “as serious as it gets”, but refused to provide detail.
“Due to his actions the council formed the view his position on that committee was no longer tenable and he had to be removed,” Mr Bria said.
“We were left with no choice but to make a decision to uphold the integrity of the council and the CEO performance review process.
“At a personal level, I’m devastated for the council. It was a drastic but necessary step.”
MORE NEWS
OTR has fifth crack at Kensington Park service station
Two dog parks set for St Peters
Residents concerned three shop plan will ‘spoil’ historic Tea Tree Gully
In a statement to The Messenger, Cr Sims admitted to making “robust comments” to Cr Minney about another councillor, but said it was not worthy of dismissal.
He also declined to provide detail about the comments.
He said the process to remove him was “unfair” and that he was “denied natural justice”.
“There was no motion on notice, I had no contact from anyone that there had been a potential complaint and no opportunity to seek legal advice before the meeting,” Cr Sims said.
He said he would now consider his next move.
Cr Sims upset Burnside Council earlier this year after labelling it a “basket case” over its handling of three-council subsidiary, Eastern Region Alliance Water.