By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
GREATER Dandenong Council is investigating the alleged harassment of a photographer taking pictures of its civic centre in Dandenong.
Sasha Colbert was taking photographs as part of a portfolio of “interesting” architecture on 28 October when a “security man” allegedly came out of the building and told her it was illegal to take pictures.
According to her husband Bernard, the man started to “harass” her when she moved to a different location to take photographs.
“I noticed that his manner was very aggressive and he attempted to physically intimidate Sasha.
“He started demanding her name and address.”
Mr Colbert said the man appeared to be from the “security detail” and was dressed in a white button-up shirt and black jeans and was about 165 centimetres tall.
Mr Colbert said he had a “proximity pass” but that he refused to show his identification.
The man asked Mr Colbert into what he said was his office inside the building and gave him a phone to speak to his supervisor ‘Chester’.
“Chester repeated the claim about requiring permission, and… that the increase of security meant all photography of government buildings was prohibited.
“I thought ‘get off the grass!’”
In a letter to Mr Colbert, Greater Dandenong Council’s acting chief executive Mark Doubleday stated there was “no apparent limitation, at least that, as a council, we are aware of, regarding the taking of photographs of the civic centre”.
“I would offer a view that as there is increased attention on security measures across Australia as a result of the counter-terrorism alert, there is a degree of concern when public buildings such as the civic centre or others are photographed.
“However, this does not excuse any inappropriate communication and these are matters that we will follow up internally.”
Last week, Mr Doubleday told the Journal that no council officers were involved in the incident.
