The Victorian Government has indicated a willingness to negotiate the timing of proposed elections for the Geelong City Council, as a bill to dismiss the current councillors over bullying allegations faces a challenging path through the Upper House.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins stated that while the government is pushing for fresh council elections in 2020, it is open to discussing the details. The bill's passage is uncertain as the government lacks a majority in the Upper House, where debate is expected to continue until at least tomorrow.
The bill follows an independent report that accused Mayor Darryn Lyons and other councillors of widespread bullying, intimidation, and dysfunction. Minister Hutchins also called for a panel to address up to 150 outstanding bullying claims.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy supports removing the council but criticized the proposed 2020 election date as too distant. He also demanded that commissioners reviewing the council be named, accusing the government of focusing on Mayor Lyons rather than governance issues.
Three councillors were prevented from entering Geelong City Hall last night for a scheduled planning meeting, which had been cancelled hours earlier. Councillors Ron Nelson, Peter Murrihy, and Tony Ansett, along with about 30 members of the public, gathered outside to protest what they called the stripping of democratic processes.
An emotional Cr Ron Nelson argued that dismissing the council would leave the region without local representation for four and a half years, and called for a proper naming of those responsible for bullying rather than a blanket dismissal.
