Hume City councillors claim bullying and intimidation undermined democracy in mayoral vote

Elected representatives inside a Melbourne council claim bullying and harassment undermined democracy as party politics and a “toxic environment” took control of their mayoral vote.

A group of councillors claim bullying, intimidation, and harassment have undermined democracy in Melbourne as party politics and a “toxic environment” have taken over.

Councillors from the City of Hume have spoken out following allegations of pressure and intimidation among colleagues in the days before they officially met to determine the new mayor last month.

Five councillors were missing from Hume’s statutory meeting on November 1 following an attempt by councillors to draw attention to what they deemed “widespread and unacceptable behaviour”.

While Labor-aligned councillor Chris Hollow was overseas, four non-Labor councillors boycotted the vote and hoped a sixth would ensure quorum was not met.

The November 1 vote just made quorum as four councillors boycotted the meeting and a fifth was overseas.

However, colleagues claim the sixth representative buckled at the eleventh hour.

Councillors told the Herald Sun former mayor Joseph Haweil had the numbers to be re-elected, however, Labor-aligned colleagues determined at a prior meeting that he could not nominate and that all must support the eventual mayor, Naim Kurt.

Victorian Labor Party rules (13.8) stipulate the vote of an absolute majority of caucus members “binds all members and no member shall oppose in debate in council any matter determined by caucus”.

Councillors claim Joseph Haweil had the numbers to be re-elected but was blocked from nomination.

Hume councillor Trevor Dance said he was outraged his colleagues could not speak or vote freely, alleging they were harassed, threatened and bullied.

“They were terrified ahead of the meeting.”

“I have no issue with who is voted as mayor, as long as the process is free and fair, to know that councillors are not only bound by party rules but have been intimated from people behind the scenes should upset every resident in Hume … it’s a disgrace.

“The local government inspectorate or IBAC should be looking into this matter very seriously as its widespread and who knows what other council decisions may be predetermined outside the council chamber?

Hume councillor Trevor Dance said the conduct of some colleagues was a “disgrace”.

Councillor Jodi Jackson said she was “disgusted” by the conduct and claimed it undermined her colleagues and rendered votes “meaningless”.

Mr Haweil had the numbers to be elected mayor, he’s well liked and we wanted to support him,’’ she said.

“I’m deeply concerned about the occupational health and safety impacts for us too … it’s become a very toxic environment.

“What also concerns me is that there is significant financial gain amounting to over $190,000 in remuneration.”

Ms Jackson referred to the allowances collected for the top jobs.

Councillors earn about $38,000, the deputy mayor receives $65,000 and the mayor takes home more than $126,000.

Hume councillor Jodi Jackson expressed her disappointment in the events ahead of the mayoral vote.

Independent councillor Jack Medcraft lamented the influence of party politics at Hume and councils across Victoria, but disagreed with the assertion that bullying or intimidation had taken place.

“The Labor party has perfected the art of branch stacking councils with apprentices, that’s where they get their future politicians from, but unfortunately it is the ratepayers who suffer because they miss out on truly independent representation,” Mr Medcraft said.

“I have served four terms now and this is probably the least confrontational and the easiest group to get along with, no doubt there are people with differences but you should judge a council on its track record and you just need to look at what we have achieved.”

Jack Medcraft said the current group were the “least confrontational he had worked with during his four terms.

“The chief executive has cleaned the place up, robust debate is not uncommon but people should not throw their toys out of the cot ... all I would say to residents is be careful who you vote for, are they true to what they say and check if they have ever been a party member.”

Another councillor told the Herald Sun it had become “toxic and ”unworkable” in recent months.The Herald Sun spoke with multiple other Hume councillors who opposed the “machinations” who did not wish to speak publicly.

It comes after a Hobsons Bay councillor claimed colleagues met behind closed-doors to predetermine the mayor in a move slammed by the council watchdog.

Mr Haweil did not respond to questions but stated he was humbled by the community’s support during his time as mayor.

Naim Kurt was elected mayor at the official vote of November 1 which just met quorum.

A Hume spokeswoman said the council made its decisions in the best interest of residents.

“The election of leadership positions on Council occurs in the Chamber at a public meeting in a transparent manner,” the spokeswoman said.

“Council’s governance rules allow for multiple nominations to be put forward for any leadership position, there was only one nomination for each at the most recent Statutory Meeting, for the now elected mayor and deputy.”

Every councillor was approached for comment.