Mitcham Mayor wants state and federal election candidates to stand down from council

AN Adelaide mayor wants councillors who stand for federal and state politics to resign from Local Government. But not everyone agrees with him.

MITCHAM Mayor Glenn Spear wants councillors standing for federal or state politics to resign amid concerns they could abuse their position to gain an advantage over their political rivals.

In an open letter, Mr Spear has urged all candidates contesting the federal election, expected late next year, to step down because it was unfair to ratepayers.

His letter comes after it was announced Mitcham Councillor Karen Hockley would stand for the seat of Boothby as part of the Nick Xenophon team.

However the political hopefuls are standing firm.

Cr Karen Hockley, who is standing for the Nick Xenophon team in Boothby, said she would not step down from her local government role ahead of next year’s election.

Long-time elected member Mark Ward is Labor’s candidate for Boothby.

“I hold a very firm belief that local council should not be a playground for those who seek political gain,” Mr Spear said.

“This issue goes far beyond just Mitcham Council and has become a pertinent issue for anybody who runs for a position, or indeed anyone who votes, in local government elections.

“I believe that any current serving councillor who stands for state or federal politics should resign from council.”

He said local government should not serve as a stepping stone for people attempting to launch a political career.

“Local Government members are well compensated for their time; they should always be acting in the best interest of local residents and should fulfil their role as a councillor with honesty and integrity,” Mr Spear said.

He said he would lobby the Local Government Association for its backing of his proposal and urged other mayors to follow his lead.

Cr Hockley said she had no plans to resign from the council.

She said while she respected Mr Spear’s right to take his position, the rules currently allowed elected members to continue in their role, even if standing for federal or state parliament.

“I can do both and I’ll be working hard for the people of Mitcham all the way till election day and will not stand down,” Cr Hockley said.

Cr Hockley said councillors only needed to resign under the Local Government Act if they secured a federal seat.

“While I respect Glenn’s right to take the position he has taken, the rules currently allow for elected councillors to continue in their role and I will be working hard for the people of Mitcham right up to polling day,” Cr Hockley said.

“I am well equipped to understand and comply with my responsibilities … to undertake my duties with honesty, care and diligence, and I will continue to work to the highest ethical standards in consultation with the community right up to the federal election.”

Mr Spear said if councillors Hockley and Ward did not resign, they would be closely monitored by council staff.

Staff would evaluate what events they attended to make sure they only used council functions and duties for the benefit of the council.

Should they step down or secure a federal seat, Mr Spear would have to call a by-election at a cost of about $35,000.

Local Government Association president Dave Burgess said councillors standing for state or federal politics needed to ensure “public council roles are separated from any personal interests as a political candidate”.

Boothby has been held by Liberal backbencher Andrew Southcott since 1996. Dr Southcott will not run in next year’s election and plans to resume his medical career.