VCAT rules against former Casey Cr Paul Richardson’s discrimination claims in ‘moral victory’ for council

THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has awarded costs to Casey Council after dismissing ex-councillor Paul Richardson’s discrimination claims.

Paul Richardson, a former Casey councillor, has been ordered by the Casey Council not to wear his old council jacket.

THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has awarded costs to the Casey Council following its legal battle with former councillor Paul Richardson.

VCAT found on February 27 that Mr Richardson should pay the council’s costs for one hearing day as well as costs incurred defending a claim that the council discriminated against him by not appointing him to the Inter-Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee in 2012.

Cr Aziz said the council’s lawyers were currently investigating what that amount would be.

The council originally sued Mr Richardson for more than $200,000 in costs it says it spent defending a discrimination claim he brought against the city.

Cr Sam Aziz called the ruling “a moral victory” for Casey.

“There has never been any greater nonsense than this … and VCAT has rightly gone to dismiss all six claims of Mr Richardson,” he said.

Most of Mr Richardson’s claims centred on a September 2011 ban from asking questions during question time at council meetings.

At one point, the council erected a barrier in the chamber to keep Mr Richardson from speaking to councillors and the police were called to remove him from the chamber in April 2012.

Cr Aziz said Mr Richardson had been a constant distraction.

“If you are a resident with legitimate questions to ask this council’s doors are always open,” Cr Aziz said.

“If you want to be like Mr Richardson where all you want to do is raise ridiculous allegations this council will take a dim view and use the law to its full extent.”

In April 2014 Mr Richardson had his Justice of the Peace title revoked after the City of Casey wrote to the Department of Justice asking for a review.

A council report said it was investigating the implications of the VCAT cost award and its options for recovery.

Comment has been sought from Mr Richardson.

Cr Rosalie Crestani has been found to have committed misconduct over her push against the city’s stance on gay rights.

Meanwhile, A councillor conduct panel has found Cr Rosalie Crestani’s push to silence the city on gay rights was misconduct.

The finding was handed down on February 6 and noted, but not discussed, at last night’s Casey Council meeting.

Cr Crestani lobbied other councillors in November last year in an attempt to shut down the City of Casey’s actions on gay rights by halting staff diversity training and issuing media releases on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) issues.

No other councillors backed the motion, with Cr Rafal Kaplon calling it a pre-election political ploy for the Rise Up Australia Party, of which Cr Crestani is a member, before last year’s State Election.

Cr Crestani said she was glad the panel hearing was over but continued to question the use of ratepayers’ money being spent on ‘the issue of sexual orientation.’

She apologised for calling a Casey staff member a bully.

She said she was yet to hear the findings of investigation.

“I do not believe special diversity training is required to teach our amazing staff what they already know and do; to be kind and courteous to all,” Cr Cretanis said.

“I apologise to my fellow councillors for breaching (council) policy.

“What I wish to say to the residents and ratepayers of Four Oaks and Casey is that they can be sure I will continue to serve you all unbiased and still fight for you, your rights and act in your collective interest.”

The Leader has asked what penalty, if any, will be handed down to Cr Crestani.