By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
GREATER Dandenong councillor Maria Sampey has called for the replacement of both members on a “rigged” councillor-conduct panel set to hear her misconduct allegations levelled at another councillor.
Ahead of the October hearing, Cr Sampey has requested that panellist John Bruce stand down, alleging a conflict of interest.
Her request was rebuffed by panel chairwoman and lawyer Katrina Raymond. Cr Sampey has since also called for her removal.
“I feel the whole thing is rigged,” Cr Sampey said. “I don’t feel they will be fair to me.
“The MAV should remove that perception by standing them down.”
The allegations against Cr Angela Long stem from a secret investigation and report launched by her – as mayor – and council chief executive John Bennie into Cr Sampey and Cr Peter Brown last year.
After the report, no action was taken against Crs Sampey and Brown.
Cr Sampey, who has been on stress leave since late last year, said panellist John Bruce had a conflict of interest because of his past association with Mr Bennie.
She was concerned that Mr Bennie reigned as chief executive of Manningham Council during the same time as Mr Bruce was Manningham mayor.
Mr Bruce also presided over a councillor conduct panel hearing that reprimanded Cr Sampey for misconduct against Cr Long in 2010.
Municipal Association chief executive Rob Spence said the MAV had “no legislated or other power” to intervene in the panel’s proceedings.
“In accordance with … the Local Government Act, if the panel member has a conflict of interest the onus is on the panel member to excuse himself or herself.
“The chair of the panel can, as it seems they have, considered whether there are grounds that would warrant the panel member standing aside.”
He said Cr Sampey had a right to await the panel hearings and appeal the decision to VCAT.
Local Government Minister Tim Bull wrote to Ms Sampey, stating he too had no power to intervene.
Greater Dandenong corporate services director Mick Jaensch said the council could not comment because “all matters relating to a councillor conduct panel are completely independent of (the) council”.
Ms Raymond did not return the Journal’s calls.
