Libs at branch brawl should’ve been at Canberra conference

TWO Bayside councillors who were at the Liberal Party meeting that descended into a fight were expected to be at a ratepayer-funded conference in Canberra.

Police were called to councillor Nagi’s cafe in Arncliffe last Monday

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TWO Bayside councillors who were at the Liberal Party meeting that descended into a fight were expected to be at a ratepayer-funded conference in Canberra.

One man was hospitalised after being punched and kicked at the Bayside Liberals meeting in Arncliffe on Monday, June 18.

Liberal councillors Michael Nagi (Mascot ward), Paul Sedrak (Port Botany) and Ron Bezic (Bexley), who were all at the meeting, were expected to be in Canberra at a local government conference which ran from June 17 to June 20.

One man was taken hospital with injuries following the fight

There is no suggestion the councillors were involved in the fight.

Cr Nagi paid out of his own pocket to fly back for the Arncliffe meeting — which was being held at his cafe — before jetting back to Canberra that night.

However, Cr Sedrak and Cr Bezic did not attend the Canberra conference, costing ratepayers at least $2270. The figure could be higher as it is not clear if accommodation and other costs are included in the amount.

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The Courier sought clarification from the council but officials did not respond at the time of going to press.

However, Mayor Bill Saravinovski said councillors who missed the conference would pay out of their own pockets.

Cr Sedrak said he had been due to attend the conference two days late following the Arncliffe meeting but decided against it after the violence. He said he would pay back the full amount.

Cr Bezic told the council before the conference he would not be attending. He did not respond to requests for comment.

Cr Michael Nagi flew back from Canberra at his own expense to make the Arncliffe meeting

Police and Liberal Party investigations continue into the brawl, which took place before a vote on the inclusion of the Earlwood-Kingsgrove Young Liberals into the Bayside Liberals group. The Courier understands the violence occurred between two rival factions, both vying for control of the group.

Cr Bezic informed the council he would not be attending the Canberra conference

Witnesses told of abuse being directed towards Muslims and Christians and police have confirmed they are investigating whether a religious divide sparked the violence. Both sides have blamed each other for starting the brawl.

One of those at the meeting described “horrific” scenes and said he feared for his life. “They bashed the crap out of this guy,” he said. “He got king hit from behind and they stomped on his head.”

Councillor Paul Sedrak has vowed to pay any money back.

He said some of those who filmed the brawl had their phones smashed.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull condemned the violence and the party’s state executive has started suspension proceedings against the Bayside Liberals group. If suspended, councillors belonging to the group would have to sit on council as independents. Councillors could also ultimately be expelled from council. The Liberal Party said it was leaving “all options on the table”.

Bayside Council said it would wait for the outcome of the investigation before action — if any — was taken.