MOORABOOL residents have come out in support of councillor Tonia Dudzik, after the council passed a motion condemning her presentation of a life-sized cardboard cutout of Premier Denis Napthine at last month’s meeting.
The motion – which said council did not support Cr Dudzik’s actions because they were disrespectful to the premier and brought the council into disrepute – was passed by a 4-3 vote.
But Cr Dudzik said the matter had been dealt with inappropriately.
“I did not insult or ridicule our premier,” she said. “Instead, I invited him to visit Bacchus Marsh and to bring his chequebook.”
Cr Dudzik said there wasn’t a councillor in the room who didn’t want the premier to visit and commit funding to Halletts Way.
She claimed the motion was a threat to her free speech.
Mayor Pat Toohey said that “in no way” did the motion inhibit any councillor in expressing their beliefs, but it was “very important we show respect to receive respect”. Cr Tom Sullivan called Cr Dudzik’s use of the cutout a “sideshow”.
Three residents spoke against the motion, including former mayor Pat Griffin, who deemed it confusing and a breach of public confidence after such a “benign” display.
“Councillors only need to report to those who democratically elect them every four years,” Mr Griffin said.
“Cr Dudzik had the most votes, and part of her role is to ask the government for money.”
This argument was supported by Maddingley Park committee chairwoman Margaret Scarff and resident Chris Huculak, who cited the councillors’ code of conduct.
“She acted with integrity and impartially exercised her responsibilities in the interests of the local community,” Mr Huculak said.
“The state government’s procrastination over the Eastern and Halletts Way freeway interchanges is the single most important issue facing this town. I see little evidence that the shire council has any kind of useful working relationship with the premier.”
Cr Dudzik said she had since called the premier’s office to advise she meant no disrespect and discussed the matter with the Municipal Association of Victoria.
Cr Sullivan said no further steps would be taken. “[It’s] behind us now, and we just need to move forward for the good governance of the municipality,” he said.
