A new policy that restricts Melton councillors from freely expressing their views to the media has been labelled as an “outrageous attack” on freedom of speech by state MPs.
The policy, adopted by the council last week, limits councillors’ ability to comment to the media in ways that don’t portray them and the mayor as a “united team”.
Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has slammed the policy as a threat to freedom of speech and councillors’ abilities to effectively represent their communities.
“It is an outrageous attack on freedom of speech,” he said.
“If something goes wrong in a councillor’s ward, they cannot publicly criticise a council decision? It almost negates the need of councillors. If councillors are not allowed to stand up for their constituents, what’s the use of having them?”
Melton MP Don Nardella, who referred to the policy as “bureaucratic bullshit”, said it was important for councillors and politicians to be critical of their parties, policies and leaders.
“It’s critical to be able to express your view, regardless of who you are, and that has to be at the forefront of this debate,” Mr Nardella said.
Council customer engagement manager Dan Hogan said the consequences for the media organisation and the councillor who breached the policy, would depend on the “nature of the engagement and the information divulged, and the accuracy and legality of the published work”.
“Possibilities range from no ramifications to legal proceedings,” he said.
After a lengthy debate at last week’s council meeting, councillors resolved to add an extra point to the policy, which states: “In making comments to the media, any personal views of councillors on issues that may be contrary to a council adopted position or on matters yet to be considered by council, should be clearly identified as the personal views of that councillor.”
Watts ward councillor Lara Carli, who opposed parts of the policy, said certain issues raised in the document were “trying to gag councillors from speaking up”, and parts of the policy could compromise her duties as a councillor.
