Councillors will undergo councillor training as part of the notice of intention from the Minister for Local Government to issue Wingecarribee Shire Council a performance improvement order.
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A letter sent to Wingecarribee Shire Council by the Minister of Local Government Shelley Hancock on August 19 signalled her intention to issue council a PIO.
The letter highlighted three separate 'schedules' to help improve the performance of council.
Schedule one outlined the reason for the notice of intention to issue a PIO.
Schedule two outlined that councillors had to undergo training concerning:
- Their roles as elected representatives.
- Their obligations under work, health and safety legislation in particular reference to bullying.
- Their obligations under council's 'Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with Staff' policy.
- Their obligation under council's Code of Conduct with a focus on the proper disclosure and management of conflict of interest and respectful behaviour.
- Meeting procedures and the respectful participation at council and committee meetings.
- The mayor undergoes training on effective chairing of meetings.
Schedule three outlined the appointment of temporary advisors.
Councillors voted to accept the minister's notice of intention to issue a PIO and the directives in the letter at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council on August 24, 2020.
The Southern Highland News spoke to Wingecarribee Shire councillors and asked how they felt about councillor training.
Mayor Duncan Gair said there was a definite need for training.
"There is a definite need for councillors to go through what the proecedures are and the code of conduct in relation to how they treat each other and staff," he said.
"It is definitely needed. "
Councillor Grahame McLaughlin said it was unfortunate that it had come to councillor training.
"It's unfortunate but you have to abide by the minister," he said.
"It's very sad because this has never happened to Wingecarribee Shire Council.
"I think training is something the Office of Local Government do no matter what, it's par for the course.
"We should be there for the community, it's about our role and sometimes people lose sight of that."
Councillor Larry Whipper also said he was disappointed that it had come to councillor training.
"It's a shame but we have to acknowledge the minister's wishes," he said.
"We all have to agree to it.
"I'm one of those people who believes that all the training in the world won't matter if you have an agenda.
"Although I'm disappointed that we have to go through this, I have to go along with it.
"We have the capacity and potential to do so much for the community."
Councillor Peter Nelson said that councillor training would be a good opportunity for councillors.
"Any training is good," he said.
"We had training when we commenced at council and we did intensive training on the Code of Conduct.
"Everybody knows what the requirements are in the code, so this will be a refresher and it will be a good opportunity for councillors."
Councillor Ian Scandrett said he supported the motion from the start.
"We've had numerous training sessions," he said.
"Training like this took place last term.
"I've done my fair share of numerous course training. Bring on the training."
Councillor Garry Turland said he felt that councillors needed to learn to stop interrupting others.
"Other than that we don't need training," he said.
Councillor Graham Andrews said he was on board with councillor training.
"Whatever transpires and whatever we are asked to do, I've got no problem with that," he said.
"In 2016 we spent weeks training, some of us attended outside course.
"I've got no problem with it."
Councillor Ken Halstead said he wasn't concerned about councillor training.
"I don't have a problem with it provided that the people who provide the training know what they are talking about," he said.
"If they're well trained I will sit there and listen.
"I know quite well what's in the Code of Conduct and the procedures that go with it."
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
