Gawler mayor Karen Redman left embarrassed by flowchart sent to media outlets outlining steps for processing questions from journalists

A mayor has been left red-faced by an email sent by staff to media outlets with an internal flowchart detailing a convoluted procedure for dealing with journalists. SEE THE FLOWCHART.

Gawler mayor Karen Redman. Photo: Colin James.

A mayor has vowed to continue dealing directly with journalists, despite an internal flowchart being sent to media outlets outlining a multi-step process for the handling of questions from reporters.

Gawler Council distributed the flowchart on Tuesday to South Australian newsrooms without informing mayor Karen Redman, who has described the move as “a mistake which needs to be reflected upon”.

Ms Redman met with the council’s chief executive, Henry Inat, and media adviser, Donna Johnston, to discuss the email, which stated that nobody but Ms Johnston was to be contacted by journalists.

“Henry has acknowledged that the email and information circulated, although not intended, was ill-directed, over zealous and with unnecessary detail relative to more internal processes as opposed to the open nature of exchanges that have been set up with media outlets,” she said.

“I think it’s fair to say there was an error in judgment, a mistake, that now requires some reflection.”

A flowchart used by Gawler Council to process media inquiries.

Ms Redman said Mr Inat and Ms Johnston had acknowledged sending the internal flowchart with the email was an error.

“Everyone makes mistakes and in this case, it was certainly unfortunate but, I would hope, a mistake we can all learn from,” she said.

In her email, Ms Johnston said she wanted to explain the procedures for dealing with Gawler Council to media outlets which recently had started covering the council, including The Advertiser.

Ms Johnston said she was the “first point of contact for all media inquiries”.

“Please do not contact anyone else here at the Town of Gawler for media comments as this will cause delays getting comments back to you,” she said.

She attached the “media comments engagement flowchart”, which she said “has been in place for many years now”.

Various journalists across Australia have commented on social media that the flowchart shows an unnecessarily convoluted process of how media questions were to be sent through various people within the council before being approved for release by Ms Redman.

“This flowchart works and if not followed, I cannot effectively co-ordinate the smooth running of media inquiries nor provide correct information to the mayor for her review,” she said.

“I appreciate at times it can be a lengthy process however, if not followed it will cause disruption and inevitable delays in getting comments back to you in a timely fashion.”

Gawler Council’s complicated media communications process has been called-into question after it was sent to media outlets this week. Picture: Colin James

Ms Redman said she would continue dealing directly with journalists, despite the flowchart.

“I was not aware of the email that was circulated and, to be clear, I do not support the processes detailed, particularly relative to my availability and accessibility to journalists,” she said.

Ms Redman, who is a senior office holder with the Local Government Association, said she believed in “open and transparent communication”.

“I’ve demonstrated with all journalists and media that I’m accessible on average seven days a week and provide commentary very quickly and sometimes on the spot if I’m able,” she said. “There are times when I don’t have the answers and so seek advice from staff whose job it is to support me in my role.

“I believe in and have demonstrated over the last few years open and transparent communication. This won’t change.”

Ms Redman said it was her “expectation as mayor” was that the council’s “administration processes as they relate to media engagement will be reviewed and improved.”