By Belinda Nolan
HOBSONS Bay Councillor Tony Briffa fears the council could face a backlash from the community if it refuses to support the Victorian Ombudsman’s recommendation to ban councillors from working for MPs.
The council is expected to vote tonight on whether it will uphold the Ombudsman’s decree banning councillors from standing as electorate officers or ministerial and parliamentary advisers.
The move is one of several damage control measures implemented by the Brumby Government in the wake of the Brimbank Council scandal, which revealed several high-profile MPs had inappropriately interfered in council affairs.
Although several councils have voted on the recommendation, Hobsons Bay Council has so far failed to make its position known, with some councillors declaring more information was needed to make a decision.
The issue is set to come to a head tonight with councillors expected to take a vote on whether they will support or condemn the ban, which was introduced in parliament last Wednesday.
Cr Briffa said it was important for the council to take a strong stand in support of the Ombudsman’s recommendations to help restore community confidence in local government.
He believed rejecting the proposal could land the council in hot water.
“Rejecting a recommendation by the Ombudsman is quite a serious step and sends a strong negative message to the community,” Cr Briffa said.
“Doing so will encourage community perceptions that councillors are dodgy, self-serving and corrupt.
“I completely support the Labor Government’s stand on this issue, and hope all the other councillors will vote in support of my motion.”
Star contacted Hobsons Bay Mayor Peter Hemphill for comment but he did not return the call prior to deadline.
