A GOLDEN Plains Shire councillor has been suspended from his municipal duties for one month.<\/p>\n
Following their regular council meeting on Tuesday evening, Cr Les Rowe\u2019s temporary leave came into effect the next day following a process of arbitration requested by mayor Cr Brett Cunningham.<\/p>\n
Cr Rowe\u2019s suspension came about due to comments he\u2019d made in a Golden Plains Times article called Priorities paused for gravel grade calendar published on 20 January 2023.<\/p>\n
In the article, Cr Rowe commented on the efficiency of the municipality\u2019s gravel road grading policy in the wake of last year\u2019s heavy rain, and referred to a lack of speed as well as drainage infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Cr Cunningham said he thought a process of arbitration was necessary.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m disappointed that I had to seek the intervention of a State Government appointed arbiter, as our internal processes did not result in an agreed manner to resolve the concerns,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result, I felt it was necessary to have the matter resolved as no councillor should disrespect the hardworking staff of our council.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m pleased that the independent arbiter not only reaffirmed the need for a public apology by the councillor, but also recognised the seriousness of the recurring behaviour, resulting in a one-month suspension from the office of councillor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Cunningham initially alleged that Cr Rowe had breached the municipality\u2019s policy in speaking with the media, which states councillors \u201cshould\u201d coordinate comments and statements through the organisation\u2019s media team.<\/p>\n
Cr Rowe was found not to have breached the municipality\u2019s media policy given other councillors\u2019 unsanctioned media comments in the past as well as the policy\u2019s use of the word \u201cshould\u201d not suggesting mandatory requirement.<\/p>\n
Golden Plains Shire\u2019s media policy is set to be revised next month.<\/p>\n
Cr Rowe was found to have breached part of the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations 2020.<\/p>\n
He was made to present a written apology to his colleagues and municipal staff for his comments, which was tabled at Tuesday\u2019s council meeting.<\/p>\n
He said his criticisms were centred around the organisation\u2019s program and that he never meant for his words to upset any individual in the organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was not my intent one iota,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve listed an apology to the appropriate people so hopefully it\u2019s all done and dusted now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever the arbiter\u2019s decision is it final so I suppose I\u2019ve got to agree with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
This arbitration process marks the second this year to involve Cr Rowe, with deputy-mayor Cr Gavin Gamble citing six initial claims of misconduct against him.<\/p>\n
Coinciding with his reappointment in mid-August Cr Rowe declared a leave of absence from his council duties during their recent council meeting.<\/p>\n
His leave will come into effect from Saturday 26 August to Tuesday 3 October.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A GOLDEN Plains Shire councillor has been suspended from his municipal duties for one month. Following their regular council meeting on Tuesday evening, Cr Les Rowe\u2019s temporary leave came into effect the next day following a process of arbitration requested by mayor Cr Brett Cunningham. Cr Rowe\u2019s suspension came about due to comments he\u2019d made […]<\/p>\n