Accountability... not!

Honest, law-abiding citizens and ratepayers of Bridgetown-Greenbushes who learned that auditors had found a series of irregularities, including illegal arrangements, occurring within our Shire would perhaps expect some serious action to be taken as a result.

But wait, this is Bridgetown, where it seems the normal rules do not apply…

Our elected councillors have been provided with a report which found, among other things;

-       - a breach of the Local Government Act by Shire staff who allowed a private individual to use the swimming pool kiosk as a business without putting this free lease out to tender,

-       - evidence that staff at the tip have been using money collected from the public for “stationary etc” without accounting for it,

-       - a failure to put rules in place for the use of credit cards by senior staff,

-      -  staff receiving cash advances without having to sign for the money.

So what have they done?  Simply agreed with the CEO’s recommendation that changes to address the issues raised be introduced in stages over the next six months or so (no rush).

Questioned about the auditor’s report at the June Council meeting, Shire President Brian Moore had this to say: “The items raised by the auditor, are not items that cause any major concerns for the operation of this Council. I have complete and utter faith in the CEO and the staff in the handling of these matters.”

(I wonder what it was about the revelations of a lack of proper processes and controls in relation to the handling of ratepayers funds that gave the President such confidence.)

 Asked if members of the public could be allowed to view the credit card statements to satisfy themselves there had been no abuses, Mr Moore replied: “You can apply for an FOI (Freedom of Information Act request) for that information”.

 Under Mr Moore’s picture on the Council’s internet home page are listed “Council Values”  One of them is ‘openness and accountability’. 

Mackman slapped down again by her 'colleagues'

Those who attended the public gallery for the June Council meeting were treated to a display of democracy not in action.  In short they caught a glimpse of what is wrong with the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire Council.

 Many went to see what could be done to convince the Council its recent backflip on saving historic Zinnekars House (a quick, unanimous decision, without debate, to demolish it) was wrong and should be corrected.

 A sympathetic councillor, Doreen Mackman moved a motion for Council to reconsider the demolition. To the dismay of those watching, this motion did not get off the ground because there was no other councillor willing to second the motion.  As a result, it lapsed without a debate.

What the councillors don’t understand is that their glib decision to ignore a colleague’s motion and let it lapse only undermines their own credibility and the authority of Council.

 All of them, and particularly the President, should understand that you do not necessarily have to agree with a motion to second the motion. By seconding the motion you are simply saying that you are prepared to listen to the mover’s reasons for bringing up the issue. You do not have to speak or vote in favour of the motion. Many times while on Council coucillors including myself would second a motion and explain they were doing so simply in order to hear the debate. It reflects the old saying; “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

 But this wisdom does not exist within the current council. The action of refusing to second a councillor’s motion is, in effect, a slap in the face for the mover. It indicates Council has such contempt for the substance of the motion it is not even prepared to listen to the reasons for it. 

In this case, it was a slap in the face for those in the community who support preserving our built heritage and particularly those who went to the meeting hoping to hear the issue discussed by their elected representatives.

 The Council is now moving rapidly to demolish the building before the groundswell of community anger over this senseless destruction builds any further.

 

So much for this…

 COUNCIL'S MISSION STATEMENT

The Shire (its Council and Employees) will listen to the community…