Sandra Holebrook slams Mayor George Seymour for voting no on budget

Hervey Bay’s Chamber of Commerce president has questioned the leadership of George Seymour in wake of his surprise decision to not endorse his own council’s budget, but Mr Seymour is not backing down.

Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Holebrook and Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour.

The Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce president has spoken out about Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour’s controversial decision to vote against his own council’s 2024-25 budget, claiming it showed a lack of leadership.

Mr Seymour was the only member of his council to vote against this year’s budget, which was handed down last month and included a huge 10.5 per cent rate rise.

At the time, Mr Seymour said the magnitude of the rise was one he could not support.

He said in terms of the money the council was raising, the rate rise actually reached 12.72 per cent, without factoring in growth, which was what the council did to arrive at the annual figure.

But Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Holebrook said his decision to vote against the budget showed a reluctance from Mr Seymour to stand with his colleagues when it came to defending difficult decisions.

“From my perspective it was very difficult to hear that a budget that had been worked on through quite robust processes with the council and the staff and councillors had been rejected by the mayor,” she said.

“Everybody else was there for it and he decided not to accept it.”

Ms Holebrook said unity was important when it came to the council’s budget as it impacted on how external investors and other stakeholders or developers saw the council.

“I feel like from a budgeting perspective that everybody should stay in the room, a bit like waiting for the pope to be elected, until the white smoke comes out and everyone is going to sign it off.

“There’s just no way it should happen like that.”

Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Holebrook.

Ms Holebrook said it sent a signal to the community that the mayor did not trust his councillors and did not believe in the council staff and the chief executive.

“It’s such an inclusive process that budget setting that by not accepting it, he actually says ‘I don’t believe in the people that are employed in council or the people who represent the community for making the decisions they’ve made’.”

Ms Holebrook said it had been 10 hard years for the community in which strong decisions had not been made, which would lead to dissent.

She said the budget should have been unanimous.

“Every other decision they make I believe in the fact that due process is due process and that’s democracy and they’ve got a choice.

“But when it comes to setting the budget, I think that is an all-in process that you shouldn’t be willing to sacrifice all of your councillors and staff just to make a statement.”

Ms Holebrook said it was rare for a mayor to vote against a council budget.

“It’s a significant event when you take a stance like that because of its rareness,” she said.

“It’s significant in the fact that it doesn’t normally happen.”

Ms Holebrook said without the rate rise, there would need to be a cut to services or jobs.

Mr Seymour said there was no divide in the council as a result of his vote.

“There is no divide in the council as a result of my no vote,” he said.

“It’s a democracy, and everyone has the right to vote according to their conscience and judgment. I respect the other councillors’ votes, and they respect mine.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour.

“Healthy debate and differing opinions are signs of a functioning democracy and ultimately lead to better decision-making.”

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said voting on any item was a personal matter for each councillor and it could be challenging to do so.

“Voting on the budget is no different.

“While the majority of council voted for the budget, as councillors we respect the Mayor’s right to not vote in favour of it,” he said.

A response from the council said a minimum of 11 budget workshops and briefings were held and the mayor had missed four of those meetings.

“I attended most of the meetings, only missing four due to mayoral duties requiring my attention,” Mr Seymour said.

“As Mayor, I strive to ensure that our decisions are made democratically, with everyone having the opportunity to participate. It’s perfectly acceptable for councillors to express differing views.

“I had the opportunity, along with all the councillors, to present my suggestions at the budget meeting.

“The majority decision supported the budget as presented, and the vote at the meeting reflects this.

“Our decision-making process is democratic and does not require a unanimous vote. I have lost votes before, but I respect the democratic right of all councillors to vote according to their Judgement and conscience.

“During budget meetings, the councillors and I explored a number of budget scenarios and suggestions, including ones put forward by myself.”

Mr Seymour said he did not believe his decision to vote no would impact on the future of the region.

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