Elected members on notice after attacks on staff members go too far

DARWIN council’s elected members have been put on notice after a number of recent heated exchanges

Darwin council’s elected members are on notice after some heated exchanges at recent meetings. Picture: Che Chorley

DARWIN council’s elected members are on notice after some heated exchanges at ­recent meetings.

The Sunday Territorian ­understands council staff have been increasingly unsettled by comments from elected members in criticising reports and the recommendations of managers and their departments.

Chief executive Scott Waters said that after the introduction of a new code of conduct at Tuesday night’s meeting, members acting out of order would be “supported”.

MORE COUNCIL NEWS

Five of the 13 elected members saying they did not recall if vote over controversial RSL club actually even happened

Darwin council executive staff member Polly Banks resigns amid coronavirus impact

Lord Mayor to pitch Lameroo Baths to leading NT business visionary Andrew Liveris

“City of Darwin recognises the conduct of a smaller number of elected members does not currently meet expectations and further support and training will be provided,” Mr Waters said.

“Where elected members or City of Darwin officers do not abide by the code of conduct, action can be taken by the Department of Local Government or other authorities.

Scott Waters (Darwin Council CEO) and Kon Vatskalis (Darwin Lord Mayor). Picture Gary Shipway

“A passionate exchange took place during the last ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, and City of Darwin encourages and supports open discussion and ­expression of opinion, as part of the democratic process of local government.”

At that meeting, alderman Gary Haslett was told he had “gone too far” in criticising staff.

Other recent incidents include claims from elected members that staff were not trusted in the elected members’ meeting room, had been leaking to the media and were influencing council decisions.

Mr Waters responded to allegations staff leaked information saying releasing information on the agenda was part of the council’s intent to be transparent and open.

At a recent council meeting alderman Gary Haslett allegedly went too far in his criticism of staff. Picture: Supplied

“City of Darwin publishes ordinary council agendas on the afternoon of each Thursday prior to the meeting the following Tuesday, within the two business days required under the Local Government Act,” he said.

“This approach is consistent with due process and in line with other local governments across Australia. This time frame allows members of the community and the media to access council reports.”

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

Mr Waters said council staff were employed to write reports and did so according to legislation. Criticism of their work was not warranted.

“What elected members can do, where they feel passionate about a certain issue, is they form their position either for or against and then they speak to that issue as part of a debate,” he said.

Mr Waters denied any workplace bullying or harassment, but did not answer questions regarding whether staff had taken time off on stress leave due to the situation.

Follow @zwar_w