By Vanessa Chircop
HOBSONS Bay’s Deputy Mayor Tony Briffa has again been hauled before a Councillor Conduct Panel to face further allegations of misconduct.
The hearing follows Cr Briffa’s latest apology to Altona resident Maureen Short, which was made at the last council meeting.
In August, Cr Briffa was taken to the CCP and found guilty of misconduct after allegations he sent threatening emails to Ms Short, her employers and members of the community.
As a result of the findings, Cr Briffa was ordered to apologise to Ms Short and to attend 12 months counselling under the supervision of the mayor.
At the last council meeting, Cr Briffa said that some people had raised issues about the sincerity of his first apology to Ms Short.
“For the public record and without prejudice I wish to unconditionally apologise to Ms Short… and withdraw any assertions that she attacked me at a public EPA meeting or had a conflict of interest in relation to the Innova application,” Cr Briffa said.
“I reiterate for the public record that my accusations in those emails were not made out of spite or malice and I hope that we can now put this matter behind us.”
After the first hearing, Cr Briffa told Star: “An apology doesn’t mean anything when one is compelled to give it”.
Ms Short said she felt the second apology to be as insincere as the first.
“There has been a second CCP hearing for serious misconduct, assuming because of the Clayton’s apology made to myself,” she said.
Star understands the hearing was adjourned before the second independent panel handed down its decision, with Cr Briffa opting to take the matter to VCAT.
“I suspect he realised he’s going to have another negative report,” Ms Short said.
“As far as I’m aware this is the first time a CCP has had two panel hearings for one councillor.
“I’m now contemplating taking legal action against Cr Briffa because of the damage done to my future employment prospects.”
With Cr Briffa stating that he was “very likely” to accept a nomination as Mayor in two weeks – the VCAT hearing is not expected to be heard until early next year.
Star understands if a decision was left to the CCP the findings would have been handed down last week.
Ms Short told Star she received an email from Cr Briffa after the council meeting about the second apology.
“I’m sick and tired of him using me as part of his political platform,” she said.
Cr Briffa did not respond to requests for comment before Star went to press.
