CR ARMITAGE APPLIES “GAG”

Warragul Shire Council’s youngest member Cr B. M. Armitage effectively applied a procedural “gag” motion to stifle debate on a motion before the chair at council’s meeting.

It is believed the “gag” motion was the first of its type to be applied at a WSC meeting.

Former shire president Cr L. N. Brown claimed that Cr Armitage’s procedural motion had “gagged” him.

Cr Brown had moved a motion, which was seconded by Cr M. A. McCarthy, that all committee meetings held on the Tuesday prior to the ordinary monthly council meetings be open to the press.

This was one of the scenes Warragul Shire councillors saw when they visited the Tarwin St tip in May 1970. A resident of the street near the tip complained that the area was a health hazard, with rats and vermin infestation rapidly increasing. Council responded that it hoped the tip would be closed in 12 months. The site was later filled and is now Western Park Recreation Reserve.