THE outspoken president of a community group has accused Hobsons Bay City Council of deliberately withholding detailed budget information before the close of public submissions.
Tony Briffa, president of Hobsons Bay Community First (HBCF), last week gave a detailed set of questions to the council about the budget, questions he claims they have refused to answer.
The 24 questions sought budget details on items ranging from capital works and road projects to councillor expense payments and public relations expenditure.
But Helen Anstis, executive manager organisational development with the council, said that with submissions closing, it was impossible to fulfil Mr Briffa’s request in time.
“Mr Briffa did not allow council sufficient time to answer his questions.
“Council advised Mr Briffa that there was insufficient time available to prepare and provide the level of detail requested in his letter, in time for him to provide a submission.”
Mr Briffa said it was crucial that an active community group like HBCF had access to detailed information and it was up to the council to provide an adequate response.
He said the explanation offered by the council did not make sense, as the final budget would not be completed for a month or more.
“It’s quite obvious to us that the council is not genuine about wanting public submissions about the budget.
“Obviously, submissions to the council need to be based on fact. HBCF was seeking more information so we can provide a properly costed submission for the budget in the best interests of the community.
“We were prevented from doing that.”
“Last time, because it was an election year, they couldn’t afford not to help and they gave us all the information we requested.”
Ms Anstis said the council did not want to delay HBCF’s budget submission by taking the time necessary to provide detailed answers to their questions.
“Rather than delay Mr Briffa from making a submission, the council invited Mr Briffa and HBCF to explore the council’s website to access relevant budget documents, agenda papers and minutes.”
“The council is committed to ensuring the budget submission process is fair, equitable, and transparent for all community members,” she said.
