Clarence votes for workplace review

THE culture within the Clarence Council will be investigated after aldermen voted to commission an independent review into the workplace environment of elected members.

Mayor Doug Chipman moved a motion to commission the review on Monday night after director of local government Craig Limkin wrote to councillors in July raising issues around the need to provide a safe working environment.

Mr Chipman said concerns about the work health and safety of elected members were raised at the last council meeting.

“Our motivation stems from our debate about anger management at our last council meeting, where many of us expressed concerns about the work environment where we perform our duties as aldermen,” he said.

The debate in question relates to a push from alderman Tony Mulder that each elected member be encouraged to undertake an anger management program.

That motion was lost, with Mr Chipman among those voting against it.

“The council meeting demonstrated there are things we need to fix,” Mr Chipman said.

Alderman Richard James said a review would be unnecessary.

“Why is it necessary to have a confidential report when the members of this chamber can speak openly and frankly?” Mr James said.

“Why is it necessary to spend ratepayers’ money?”

Alderman Wendy Kennedy said the public had noticed conflict on the council.

“Recently I was made aware of a highlights reel, or maybe a lowlights reel, of edited cuts from this council in action,” she said.

“Apparently its working title is called Toxic: The Darkest Hours of Clarence Council.

“Let’s not have any more embarrassing moments.”