Rule ‘gags’ councillor

A HUON Valley councillor has been found to have breached rules over social media use for a post he made on Facebook.

But Cr Mike Wilson says the ruling has him wondering if elected members can have an opinion anymore.

A SOUTHERN Tasmanian councillor found guilty of a code of conduct breach says he believes a rise in complaints “stifles debate” as he lamented the money spent prosecuting his offence.

Huon Valley councillor Mike Wilson said the incident had left him feeling like he couldn’t speak out on issues.

Cr Wilson was cautioned for breaching part 7 1(a) of the council’s code of conduct, which required him to treat all persons with courtesy, fairness, dignity and respect.

The offence related to a string of Facebook posts where Lonnavale man Geoffrey Swan alleged Cr Wilson stated his support for comments made by Huon Aquaculture founder Frances Bender that were unfavourable to him.

“By posting a comment supporting negative views of Mr Swan apparently held by many in the community, Cr Wilson has not maintained the standard of behaviour expected of an elected member,” the code of conduct panel determination report said.

“A councillor must avoid making public comment that can be seen to take a particular side in debate on an issue that may be an item of council business, or express negative views about a ratepayer.”

Cr Wilson said as an elected member he was almost too frightened to say anything.

“It seems elected members aren’t allowed to have an opinion anymore,” he told the Mercury.

“I have an opinion, I am an individual, I represent my community.

“The cost to the taxpayer for this code of conduct investigation is just ridiculous.”

Mr Swan said he felt the panel’s decision was well considered and appropriate.

“My only personal disappointment is the caution does not include an apology or any suggestion of acceptance from Cr Wilson,” he said.

Cr Wilson said he felt code of conduct complaints had proliferated recently, which in turn “stifles debate”.

Since July 1, 2018, 17 code of conduct panel determination reports against Tasmanian councillors have been tabled, compared to 16 in the previous three financial years.

Only five have been upheld or partly upheld since July 2018, with the remaining 12 dismissed. Nine were upheld or partly upheld in the previous three years.