FREQUENT calls to deal with unruly residents at Melton council meetings are frustrating police and diverting attention from other issues.
Police have been called to four of the six council meetings held this year because of verbal confrontations between some residents and the council.
Police were called to last week’s meeting about 30 minutes after it began when some residents caused a stir during public question time.
Several refused to accept chief executive Kelvin Tori’s response to questions about the federal government’s proposed local govern- referendum, resulting in a shouting match. Police removed the ratepayers from the council chamber.
Similar disturbances have delayed meetings for up to 45 minutes, leaving residents and councillors frustrated.
Inspector Stephen Mutton said the consistent police presence could take resources away from other incidents in Melton.
“It has been an ongoing issue,” he said. “Our key role is to ensure there’s no breach of the peace. At some meetings we’ve had police members rostered on for it specifically, but it does take away from our resources.”
Police will meet council staff this week to discuss the problem.
