Mount Gambier councillor Kate Amoroso’s absent from three consecutive council meetings
A Mount Gambier councillor – who was absent for three consecutive council meetings – has been issued a please explain as her position as an elected member comes under scrutiny.
Mount Gambier
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The future of councillor Kate Amoroso’s position on the Mount Gambier Council has been called into question just weeks after two major resignations.
Noting Cr Amoroso had been absent for three consecutive ordinary council meetings, Cr Max Bruins raised an urgent motion without notice at Tuesday night’s meeting.
He said he was unsure if the councillor realised her non-attendance could trigger Section 54 of the Local Government Act, meaning she could be removed from office and a casual vacancy could be created.
Rather than immediately triggering the clause he recommended seeking an explanation of Cr Amoroso’s absence “including when other members can expect her to return to the chamber to fulfil her statutory role”.
All present councillors voted in favour of the motion.
Cr Amoroso now has until Monday, November 2 to provide a written explanation to the Mayor or can do so in person at an ordinary or special meeting scheduled after that date.
Earlier in the meeting she had requested a month-long leave of absence via an administrative report which was unanimously denied.
The councillor had provided a personal explanation to all elected members which included a medical certificate.
At the September meeting an apology from Cr Amoroso was also denied, the decision was ultimately made by Mayor Lynette Martin after a tied vote.
Mayor Martin raised concerns Cr Amoroso’s health was impacting her ability to fulfil her responsibilities to the community.
Mayor Martin said it was important the councillor have the chance to explain.
“I am concerned her ill health is preventing her from fulfilling her role,” she said.
“We are sympathetic to her health.
“This is nothing personal.
“It puts the council in an awkward position.”
Cr Amoroso indicated her absences were not unexplained.
“I have provided notice and a copy of my medical certificate on the first instance of leave and stated council are welcome to view relevant medical certificates if they so needed to for the leave of absence,” she said.
“It is my understanding the council have requested formal reasons for these absences, and I am happy to comply by providing the medical certificates again.
“I have tried my best to continue to represent the people of Mount Gambier which is evident by my request to attend electronically at meeting, unfortunately this request has been denied.
“I look forward to continue working with council in the next few weeks in the hopes of returning to in person meetings.”
In Cr Amoroso’s absence a motion was also passed to remove her as the council’s representative on a number of advisory groups.
She had advised the council she wished resign from all non-compulsory council committees “effective immediately” on September 22, later withdrawing the resignation on October 13, instead seeking a leave of absence.
Given the circumstances, Cr Steven Perryman proposed appointing replacement representatives to ensure council met its obligations with all councillors voting in favour.