Council media ban shows continued lack of transparency at Brimbank says Greens Councillor
Media Release 27th May 2009

Brimbank Greens Councillor Geraldine Brooks believes that the refusal to allow television media into last night’s council meeting shows councillors have not learned a thing from the damning Ombudsman’s report.

“Last night, all 10 Labor councillors refused to allow an urgent business motion I had proposed to override the Mayor’s ban on television media in the council chambers,” said Cr Brooks. “It is such disrespect for transparent governance that allowed the culture apparent in the Ombudsman’s report to thrive at Brimbank in the past.”

“The fact is that all ten Labor councillors are afraid to have the residents and the broader public scrutinise their decisions in a public council meeting via having the media present. It does not bode well for a fresh start at Brimbank” she said.

“The Brimbank Local Meeting Laws need to be amended to enshrine the right of media to scrutinise council meetings including recording the meetings,” she said, “With the Council due to amend the those meeting laws at the June council meeting, I will be moving an amendment to the Local Meeting Laws to ensure that media are entitled to film council meetings in future.”

She added, “I am calling on the ten Labor councillors who banned the media last week to join with me on this. It will be the first of many steps toward open and transparent governance at Brimbank.” Cr Brooks said.

For more info, contact Geraldine Brooks on 0429 327 061.