An old article with a new concern. A new clause has been added to the beginning of our briefing papers that in my personal view is impeding my ability to effectively represent my community.
I respect confidentiality and discretion is important on sensitive matters. However, being instructed to speak only about the headings of briefing matters to community, until it is officially in the public domain and when the item is not classified as confidential seems excessive.
I have lodged my opposition to the matter in writing to the Mayor on several occasions and had to insist my objection was tabled in the minutes when I raised it. I will continue to work diligently to ensure transparency in Local Government. After all I am here and have been elected as the people’s representative to ensure good governance.”
ABC GIPPSLAND FACEBOOK POST:
EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL SECRET SQUIRRELS
East Gippsland Shire Council has changed the way it runs its meetings to be more transparent after a report by @Fairfax newspapers and The Age named it as Victoria’s MOST SECRETIVE council.
In the year to June 2017, East Gippsland Council held 41% of its meetings behind closed doors, compared to 10 per cent of meetings held by the state’s 78 other councils.
But East Gippsland Mayor Joe Rettino says the statistics paint an unfair picture of the council.
“Out of the 39 items that were held in camera that year, 34 of them related to commercial in confidence contracts so you know that’s commercial in confidence information that has to be dealt with confidentially, “ Mayor, Joe Rettino said.
Earlier in the week VCAT upheld a panel finding that Benambra Councillor Ben Buckley committed serious misconduct by leaking confidential council information to the media.
Cr Buckley argued the people he represents deserved to know how ratepayers money was being spent.
Are you worried that too much council business is conducted behind closed doors?
– SONIA BUCKLEY’S JULY 1, 2023 SHARED POST VIA FACEBOOK ON ABC GIPPSLAND POST ON AUGUST 30, 2018