Councillors threatened over budget leaks

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong councillors have been forced to keep important funding information from community groups as directors tighten the council’s confidentiality.
The Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Association (DRRA) has since urged councillors to take control of their relationship with officers, fearing ‘the end of democracy in Dandenong’.
Councillors face fines of $11,000 and could be booted from council if they speak publicly about now-confidential draft 2006/07 budget papers, including successful funding applicants.
A disappointed city mayor Peter Brown told the gallery at this week’s meeting it was the first time in his 10 years with Greater Dandenong council that budget information was unable to be discussed.
“When community groups aren’t supported in their application, they like to know why,” he said.
“When it is supported, we have an obligation to make it clear why, and in so far as the budget papers are concerned, what was presented to councillors by managers has caused serious concerns, certainly to myself and no doubt other councillors.”
Cr Brown said other contentious budget material included ‘the containment of council operating costs’ – but he could not elaborate under the new provisions.
However, CEO Carl Wulff said recent information leaks to local press, including the Star’s unveiling of the city’s new logo and slogan, had caused officers to threaten to enforce Section 77 of the Local Government Act, including penalties if they are found to leak information deemed confidential by Mr Wulff.
“I have been working with councillors for over 20 years and have never experienced the instances I’ve seen over the last few weeks,” he said.
“(Information was leaked) for purposes beyond my comprehension and for no public good.”
Cr Brown said officers were overreacting to the leaks.
“Leaking prematurely doesn’t help anyone and doesn’t add public benefit, I don’t think, but that’s political life,” he said.
“On the other hand, some issues that have been leaked are matters that in the past were dealt with in the public domain as a work in progress.”
Dandenong North Ward councillor John Kelly said not all councillors believed the staff was overreacting.
“Officers worked hard on the new logo, I know your paper got it, but it is a bit disappointing the councillor who didn’t like it goes out to get a reaction from it.”
But DRRA president Jim Houlahan said it was outrageous the public could not be given an insight into briefing meeting issues.
“First the public is not invited to the meetings, then to make it even worse, the councillors are prohibited talking about it,” he said.
“I think it is a very clear message that the councillors should be taking charge of the council.”