Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi’s mentoring group slammed as secretive, anti-democratic

‘It’s not democracy, in my mind’: Southern Downs councillors have drawn a line in the sand over Mayor Vic Pennisi’s plans for a confidential think tank.

COUNCIL CONFLICT: Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi’s new mentoring group has come under fire after being labelled secretive and anti-democratic. Picture: file / NRM

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi’s new mentoring group has been slammed by his fellow representatives as a threat to the council’s integrity and democratic processes.

The conflict was sparked by a recommendation to repeal or amend the terms of reference for the Southern Downs Innovation and Development Committee at this week’s ordinary council meeting.

A draft policy for the group of six unidentified members that will report to and be sponsored by Cr Pennisi was approved in May, stating the committee would assist or provide the mayor with advice on potential challenges, opportunities, or “other threats” in the region.

Councillor Cynthia McDonald blasted the original plans at the time, fearing the confidential meetings and membership would undermine transparency and democratic processes.

The group once again stoked heated debate when a proposal to rebrand the committee the Southern Downs Mayoral Innovation and Development Mentoring Program and replace the original policy with a new charter was tabled at this week’s meeting.

Cr Pennisi stated the proposed changes came after the group met for the first time on July 30.

Concerns were immediately raised by councillors Jo McNally, Sheryl Windle, and Cr McDonald that Cr Pennisi would not declare a conflict of interest given his executive position and role as the only representative alongside Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley.

“We have absolutely no idea who the individuals are, we don’t know whether they could be your political backers for the next election, which they may or may not be – how do we know, how does the council know, where is the transparency?” Cr McDonald said.

“There is a difference between this and any other committee – these people have been hand-picked, and it’s not democracy in my mind,” Cr McNally added.

Ross Bartley addresses Southern Downs Regional Council. Picture: file / SDRC

Cr Pennisi was joined by Cr Bartley, councillor Stephen Tancred, and SDRC CEO Dave Burges in defending his stance, arguing his seat on the group was approved at the meeting in May and fellow councillors should trust the group would be run in line with policy.

A report tabled alongside the revised charter revealed SDRC sought advice from legal representatives King and Company Solicitors, who agreed there was nothing in the policy that gave any member of the group decision-making powers.

After a brief adjournment for Cr Pennisi to attempt to seek legal advice, the opposed councillors tried unsuccessfully to pass a motion mandating the mayor declare a conflict of interest.

This was merely a pause in the hours-long debate, with Cr McDonald joined by Cr McNally, Cr Windle, and councillor Marco Gliori in questioning why they would still be left in the dark as to the panel’s hand-selected members and discussions if the new charter was approved.

“I feel like we’re shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic in regards to this one. There’s an old saying from farmers, ‘You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig at the end of the day’,” Cr McDonald said.

“We’re not naming people and we’re not being transparent. I think that this charter needs to actually reflect and be in line with what the council has set as a norm – and if not, go and have a cup of coffee with your mates, Mr Mayor, and have a mentoring session.”

“I am astounded that a member of the public, including the media, will be able to go to a right to information to ask for information as to who is on that committee and the minutes, but me as an elected member of this council is not entitled to that information,” Cr McNally agreed.

“I do believe the intention of this is A-OK by me. But that fact again that we’re being asked to endorse something private and confidential, for me in these chambers, I think I would like a report in minutes and I don’t see that happening in the way we’re heading,” Cr Gliori said.

Cr Tancred, Cr Bartley, and Cr Gale were all outspoken in favour of Cr Pennisi’s panel and the new charter.

“It’s been an improvement in transparency, so I find it a little bit amusing that people who were part of the past council are now accusing this council of being less transparent,” Cr Tancred said.

After at least another hour of debate, councillors eventually decided to repeal the existing terms of reference for the previous Innovation and Development Committee.

All representatives excluding Cr Pennisi, Cr Gale, and Cr Tancred also voted to delay approving the new charter until SDRC received further legal advice.