Councillor’s WA move ‘fails pub test’ while representing Torquay ward

A former Surf Coast mayor’s decision to work remotely from outside the state for more than three months has infuriated one colleague and left her ward with limited on-ground representation. HAVE YOUR SAY.

Liz Pattison has been a Surf Coast councillor since 2020 and served as mayor for two years. Picture: Alan Barber.

A local councillor’s decision to continue in her role while interstate for more than three months “does not pass the pub test”, or at least that’s the view of one colleague and a group advocating for ratepayers.

Former Surf Coast mayor Liz Pattison is believed to have been in Western Australia with her family since August, having not taken any leave during the period.

She was absent from council’s most recent meeting and attended remotely in August and September.

Her absence from the shire meant that for four weeks from late September the Torquay ward had no on-the-ground representation due to the suspension of Paul Barker and resignation of Rebecca Bourke.

While it is not suggested that Ms Pattison has done anything wrong, Mr Barker said her time away failed the “pub test”.

“It is disappointing there is minimal representation for Torquay ward residents and ratepayers,” he said.

That position was backed by the Victorian Ratepayers and Residents Association.

Secretary and former Whitehorse councillor Tanya Tescher said while Ms Pattison might be carrying out her statutory duties, “the community would be better served by a councillor who can speak with their constituents in person”.

Surf Coast councillors Liz Pattison (left) and Paul Barker (right), and shire chief executive Robyn Seymour (centre). Pictures: Alan Barber.

Ms Pattison, a mother of four primary school aged boys, said she “remained deeply committed to serving my community and have continued to work actively as a councillor while away from the shire with my young family”.

“Council’s online systems enable full participation in meetings and access to all materials, allowing me to stay engaged and responsive to residents,” she said in a statement.

“Other than a short period of absence for personal reasons – consistent with the Local Government Act and agreed with the chief executive and mayor – I have fulfilled my duties and remained accessible to the community.

“I appreciate the understanding of my community and ask that my privacy, and that of my family, be respected.”

The October meeting agenda showed Ms Pattison was on occasions the only councillor absent from non-compulsory briefings.

A council spokesman confirmed Ms Pattison had not taken any leave in recent months.

Surf Coast councillors are paid an annual allowance of $35,049, or $2921 a month.

Winchelsea ward councillor Adrian Schonfelder said he had no issue with his colleagues working remotely provided they adhered to governance rules.

Shire chief executive Robyn Seymour said all councillors were equipped with technology that allowed them to access council information, be contacted by the community, and attend meetings or briefings remotely.

“Ms Pattison advised us of her plans to temporarily perform her role remotely and has indicated she’ll attend our November 25 council meeting in person,” she said.

“Any decision to take annual leave is at an individual councillor’s discretion.”

Questions sent to Ms Pattison’s email generated an automatic reply that said she was “on leave until the 23rd of November”.

Elected in 2020 and mayor from November 2022 to October 2024, Ms Pattison received the highest primary vote of the six candidates at last year’s election and was the first elected in the Torquay ward., followed by Ms Bourke and Mr Barker.

Surf Coast councillors will meet on Tuesday night to elect a mayor and deputy mayor for the next 12 months.

Then-Golden Plains mayor Sarah Hayden’s week-long trip to Las Vegas earlier this year polarised opinion after it emerged she was given permission by the shire to work remotely while overseas.

Originally published as Councillor’s WA move ‘fails pub test’ while representing Torquay ward