Council splits

By Melissa Meehan
A NEW accountability, transparency, and accessibility (ATA) charter has driven a wedge between Greater Dandenong councillors.
Mayor Pinar Yesil this week responded to criticism of her performance by proposing sweeping reforms to the city’s governance and the standards applied to its councillors.
But the proposals, which set the bar very high for elected representatives and their accountability to the community, faced immediate and vehement opposition at Monday night’s council meeting.
A councillor walkout and a reference to the Holocaust (see other stories page three), highlighted the division.
In a candid interview with Star, Cr Yesil said she was both surprised and disappointed at resistance from other councillors.
Cr Yesil’s motion sought council officers to prepare a report on the best way to achieve the highest standards of governance in Greater Dandenong.
The reform charter is like no other in Victoria.
It sets high standards in relation to councillors reporting to the community on their activities, pecuniary interests and community involvement, including their attendances at functions.
“This charter is designed to engage and empower the public,” she said.
“And while I understand that reform and change is never easy, I believe we will thrive in the new culture.”
Cr Yesil highlighted five reasons for the reforms including the recent increase in councillor allowances, giving back to the community, the extended council term, the changes in ward structures and said it would act as a safeguard for misinformed criticism of councillor’s performances.
While the reforms faced strong opposition from councillors John Kelly, Maria Sampey, Paul Donovan, Peter Brown and Yvonne Herring, the motion to prepare a report was passed.
When asked whether she thought the policy would make its way into other Victorian councils Cr Yesil said she believed there would be a community push for ATA in other councils.
“But judging by the loud volume of noise and the strong resistance put up by councillors. it will be difficult to spread,” Cr Yesil said later.
Councillor Jim Memeti praised the mayor on her initiative and leadership, at the meeting.
“This is a courageous stance from the mayor,” he said.
“There is no doubt that she has set herself the toughest task by shouldering most of the initiative.”
Others weren’t so full of praise.
“This was not properly thought through,” Cr Sampey said.
“Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Councillors Herring and Donovan both stated their disappointment that they were not briefed on the motion before it went to council.
“You say you don’t want to divide us,” Cr Herring said.
“But this is exactly what you are doing.”
The motion for a report on the ATA policy was passed, and is expected to be presented at the next council meeting on 14 April.