Dandy probe call

By Melissa Meehan
A GREATER Dandenong councillor has called for a Brimbank Council-style investigation of her own municipality.
The fallout from the Ombudsman’s report into the dysfunctional Brimbank Council is likely to force the government to redefine the rules for councillors and their day jobs.
Councillor Maria Sampey told Star she believed “not only should Brimbank be investigated, but also Greater Dandenong”.
She said that the current interference of Labor MP Adem Somyurek, and the past actions of another Labor MP were “beyond belief”.
As an example, Cr Sampey claimed that Mr Somyurek had had an extensive involvement in the production of the controversial council ATA reform charter.
But Mr Somyurek said “council was nothing but trouble for MPs”.
“If political interference is defined as coercing councillors into doing something against their will, I can’t see this happening anywhere but in Brimbank,” Mr Somyurek said.
“I believe it is responsible for MPs to lobby councillors just as it is for councillors to lobby MPs.
“If this didn’t happen our federation would be dysfunctional because all levels of government need to communicate with each other and work together co-operatively.”
Mayor Pinar Yesil and councillor Youhorn Chea work in Mr Somyurek’s office.
Mr Somyurek said their primary role was to liaise with the community, do research and manage his office.
“Both Cr Chea and Cr Yesil have a strong mandate from their residents,” he said.
“They both obtained the most number of votes in their wards.
“They are proud of this and would not appreciate anyone attempting to dictate outcomes to them on council, including me.”
He said having councillors working in his office helped them get a more holistic picture of government.
“Councillors working in MPs’ offices will have a clearer understanding of government programs and projects which may be useful in their role as councillor,” he said.
The Ombudsman has recommended that all councillors should be banned from working for members of parliament.
In the report, Victorian Ombudsman George Brouwer found Brimbank Council decisions had been influenced by outsiders, including Labor MPs.
Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the government accepted all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations.