By VANESSA CHIRCOP
RATEPAYERS have already footed more than $110,300 in legal fees to cover the costs of Councillor Conduct Panel (CCP) hearings and the impending VCAT hearing between Councillor Peter Hemphill and Mayor Tony Briffa.
The latest costs revealed a huge jump in the legal expenses – at the start of June Star reported just over $60,000 had been spent.
However, little more than a month later the latest costs revealed Cr Briffa had accumulated legal expenses of more than $94,500 and Cr Hemphill more than $15,800.
Cr Briffa was taken to a CCP last year after allegations he sent threatening emails to Altona resident Maureen Short.
He was found to have breached the councillor code of conduct and ordered to apologise to Ms Short.
Cr Briffa, who was sick and not at last week’s meeting, told Star he had no choice to defend himself and claimed the matter was politically motivated by Cr Hemphill.
“This whole legal matter is nonsense, but it’s been brought about by Cr Hemphill and I have no option but to respond to his frivolous and vexatious allegations,” he said.
“Even Maureen Short has stated that this matter is a storm in a teacup.
“I expect my costs will be covered by the insurance the council has for officers and councillors in situations where there are legal claims against them.
“I look forward to this matter being heard publicly at VCAT as I am confident they will easily see through Cr Hemphill’s stupid complaint.”
Cr Hemphill said the VCAT hearing was about poor behaviour by a councillor.
“While apologising (to Ms Short) he (Cr Briffa) then recirculates the offending emails again,” he said.
“I find that appalling behaviour.”
Cr Angela Altair apologised to Ms Short.
“To continue to have these emails, that were sent to her republished.
“If I was Ms Short I would be very, very embarrassed and I would not want these threatening emails republished.”
