Serious about transparency

Commenting on community briefings Mayor Michael Leaney declared a “lot of the topics were a bit dull” (Gazette 23/8).

He added “the subjects being discussed at community briefings also needed to be reviewed to ensure there was a level of interest.”

The interest level would rise faster than a space rocket if the behind closed doors briefings were opened to the public.

With only two briefings listed in the record of meetings this calendar year at least the mayor does not get bored too often. Yes, as you say mayor, let’s cut them out, no member of the public has attended the last two so why have them?

When community briefings were introduced the decision was hailed by the then mayor as the greatest thing since sliced bread in transparency and openness. It was declared council will have one item per month at a briefing where we can come along and watch.

Nothing controversial to be raised, just run the transparency flag up the pole. Of course Mayor there will be no-one in the gallery.

At the time briefings were introduced and for years before I have argued that this is a council that conducts business in secret (briefings) where issues to come before council are discussed.

We do not know what is in the mind of councillors without the opportunity of attending these meetings. A lot can change in the thinking of a councillor between the briefings and the council meeting.

We want to know what a councillor really thinks on a topic, not the sanitised contributions at council meetings.

If council was serious about transparency it would at least have a planning committee similar to that operating in Cardinia. It could be chaired by the deputy mayor, which might give us some return for the $70K plus package for that position.

Don McLean, Warragul