Minister flags conduct probe

LARA councillor Tony Ansett could be investigated by the City of Greater Geelong for potentially breaching its code of conduct, according to Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins.

The Geelong Advertiser yesterday reported Cr Ansett had been banned from the office of a major local developer, Bisinella, following an incident at its Lara headquarters in November 2013, which was captured on CCTV.

The Addy also revealed Cr Ansett had verbally abused mayoral candidate Ken Jarvis, Committee for Geelong CEO Rebecca Casson and 70-yearold Lara history buff and CFA volunteer, Les Kelly, among others, in public places.

The revelations come as the City launches a major inquiry into an alleged culture of bullying at the council.

Asked to comment on the allegations, a spokeswoman for Ms Hutchins said: “Councillors have no rights of access to private property over and above those of other citizens. The independent investigation currently being established will address some of the issues. In the meantime, council has the ability to raise this as a potential breach of its code of conduct.”

A spokesman for the Victorian Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate said the inspectorate did not disclose details of individual complaints or provide commentary about allegations of misconduct or alleged breaches of the Local Government Act.

Under the Act, it was up to the council to develop a councillor code of conduct and be responsible for its ongoing administration, he said.

The Geelong councillor code of conduct demands all councillors must “act with integrity” and treat all people with respect and afford due regard to their opinions and beliefs.