Derwent Valley Mayor Ben Shaw has been cautioned after a code of conduct complaint was upheld

A southern Tasmanian mayor has been cautioned after showing a lack of “courtesy, fairness and respect” to a constituent.

Derwent Valley Council Mayor Ben Shaw. Picture: DAMIAN BESTER

A SOUTHERN Tasmanian mayor has been cautioned after a code of conduct complaint against him was upheld.

In a report to be tabled at a council meeting on Thursday night, a panel found Derwent Valley Mayor Ben Shaw lacked courtesy, fairness and respect for one of his constituents.

The complaint was made by Rebbecca Thorpe, who read out a statement at a council workshop on February 8, 2018 — before Cr Shaw was elected mayor — on a series of misfortunes that had impacted on her and the need to close her business.

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The panel found Cr Shaw engaged with his mobile phone and was laughing during Ms Thorpe’s presentation, which breached part 7(1)(a) of the Derwent Valley councillor code of conduct that required elected members to treat all persons with courtesy, fairness, dignity and respect.

The Derwent Valley Council with Mayor Ben Shaw, front centre outside, the Derwent Valley Council Chambers after their first meeting. Picture: DAMIAN BESTER

While the panel made no finding that Cr Shaw laughed at Ms Thorpe, there was sufficient evidence to find his behaviour in using his phone and laughing while Ms Thorpe was “clearly very upset … lacked courtesy, fairness and respect” for her, the report said.

The panel determined that Cr Shaw should be given a caution for the code of conduct breach. Complaints made by Ms Thorpe against Cr Shaw relating to four other incidents were dismissed by the panel.

The panel also dismissed three complaints made by Ms Thorpe against Cr Martyn Evans — the Derwent Valley mayor at the time.

When contacted by the Mercury, Cr Shaw said he accepted the finding and hoped to move on from the incident.

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He said he used his phone and tablet regularly during meetings and briefings to take notes.

The panel also concluded that Cr Shaw’s use of social media had potentially complicated the matter and recommended the council develop guidelines on the use of social media by all elected members.

“Whilst the panel dismissed a number of complaints lodged by Ms Thorpe against Mayor Shaw, it considers that a more proactive and conciliatory approach by Mayor Shaw at the outset might have resulted in a more positive outcome for Ms Thorpe,” the report said.

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