Melton council last week passed a motion calling on Local Government Minister Tim Bull to abolish the practice of abstaining from voting – but not before a heated debate between councillors Kathy Majdlik and Lara Carli.
Cr Majdlik raised the notice of motion, saying the decision by some councillors to abstain from voting was “not fair for this community”.
She said abstaining from voting was paramount to a “no vote”.
“It’s an absolute disgrace that councillors in this chamber feel it’s OK to abstain from voting,” she said.
“It’s a slap in the face to voters and the legislation should be abolished.
“Let’s put the community voice back into council.”
But Cr Carli said she believed the motion was a personal attack on her and her decision to abstain from voting in the past.
She said Cr Majdlik was “grandstanding” and trying to “gain political points” by raising the issue.
“My advice would be to run for Parliament … and we know, Cr Majdlik, you ran for Kororoit and the good people of that electorate rejected you,” Cr Carli said.
Cr Majdlik said she was “disappointed and surprised” by the comments made by Cr Carli.
Cr Carli opposed the motion.
