Council fails to support those in financial hardship
Council has voted against motions put by Greens Councillor Geraldine Brooks that would help those suffering financial stress in our community.
“Not one Councillor would second an alternative budget motion to lift the rate rebate for those experiencing financial hardship and not one councillor would support a motion to increase the rates for commercial gaming venues which profit from the destruction of families and our community” said Cr. Brooks.
Gaming is a significant community problem in Brimbank which affects the entire community, not just problem gamblers. Gambling related problems are mainly associated with Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) and gaming losses are now the most severe of any municipality in the state. A differential rate levied on this sort of antisocial activity is one method of integrating Council’s policy position to make it less attractive for venues to profit from EGM's in our municipality.
It is Councils job to use differential rates where appropriate to achieve enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes.
22.7.09
21.7.09
COUNCIL FIRMLY SET ON GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL
The Brimbank Greens have cautiously welcomed the appointment of the council inspector, following the Ombudsman's report, but are concerned it will be business as usual. Brimbank Greens secretary, Alex Schlotzer, expressed concern that a motion seeking a public meeting about the Ombudsman's report was not supported.
“It looks like the current Councillors just want to push this issue aside and bury it,” said Alex Schlotzer, local Brimbank Greens branch secretary.
“It was clear at a special meeting convened to respond to the Ombudsman's report into Brimbank Council, that some Councillors are more interested in getting back to business as usual. Even in the full gaze of the council inspector, Greens Councillor Brooks' motion for an open public meeting wasn't supported.
“It's a missed opportunity for the Council to mend some relationships with the community. And disappointing that such a simple gesture has been overlooked,” said Greens Councillor Brooks.
“Not one of the 10 other Councillors supported the motion meaning it wasn't entered on the public record or debated. It seems to reinforce the Ombudsman's findings about the behaviour of Councillors,” said Mr Schlotzer.
“The community can't have any confidence in the Councillors acting in the best interests of the community when they can't support a motion for an open public meeting,” concluded Mr Schlotzer.
For more information contact:
Greens Cr Geraldine Brooks, mob: 0429 327 061
Alex Schlotzer, secretary Brimbank Greens, mob: 0434 856 429
The Brimbank Greens have cautiously welcomed the appointment of the council inspector, following the Ombudsman's report, but are concerned it will be business as usual. Brimbank Greens secretary, Alex Schlotzer, expressed concern that a motion seeking a public meeting about the Ombudsman's report was not supported.
“It looks like the current Councillors just want to push this issue aside and bury it,” said Alex Schlotzer, local Brimbank Greens branch secretary.
“It was clear at a special meeting convened to respond to the Ombudsman's report into Brimbank Council, that some Councillors are more interested in getting back to business as usual. Even in the full gaze of the council inspector, Greens Councillor Brooks' motion for an open public meeting wasn't supported.
“It's a missed opportunity for the Council to mend some relationships with the community. And disappointing that such a simple gesture has been overlooked,” said Greens Councillor Brooks.
“Not one of the 10 other Councillors supported the motion meaning it wasn't entered on the public record or debated. It seems to reinforce the Ombudsman's findings about the behaviour of Councillors,” said Mr Schlotzer.
“The community can't have any confidence in the Councillors acting in the best interests of the community when they can't support a motion for an open public meeting,” concluded Mr Schlotzer.
For more information contact:
Greens Cr Geraldine Brooks, mob: 0429 327 061
Alex Schlotzer, secretary Brimbank Greens, mob: 0434 856 429
Council’s Urgent Letter to the Premier
At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 23rd June, Council supported Greens Cr Geraldine Brooks’ urgent motion to write to the Brumby Government regarding the defunding of Reconciliation Victoria.
In a wonderful show of support for this important issue, all councillors voted for its adoption except for Cr Stuart Miller.
“I was appalled to have learnt that the Brumby Government would defund Reconciliation Victoria, especially without measures to build on its invaluable work,” said Cr Brooks.
This absolutely devastating situation means several communities across Victoria are now left without any reconciliation services, because Reconciliation Victoria had acted as the core body and serviced any areas that did not have an independent group. Reconciliation Victoria also carries out important work to address that the social determinants of Aboriginal health that are largely based on the attitudes, systems, lack of understanding and exclusion of Aboriginal people by the non-Aboriginal community.
I’m heartened that most councillors recognised the urgency of the matter, and agreed that Council could at least put our concerns in writing to the Premier.”
The letter from Council urges the Premier to intervene
“to reinstate ongoing funding to Reconciliation Victoria to send a clear message to the Victorian community about the Victorian State Government’s commitment to reconciliation and the prevention of racism”.
“It is important that many individuals and groups across Victoria voice their support for Reconciliation Victoria funding and tell the State Government that they think their response is short-sighted and hypocritical. We need to tell this government that reconciliation is important” Cr Brooks said.
For enquiries please contact Cr. Geraldine Brooks 93612693
At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 23rd June, Council supported Greens Cr Geraldine Brooks’ urgent motion to write to the Brumby Government regarding the defunding of Reconciliation Victoria.
In a wonderful show of support for this important issue, all councillors voted for its adoption except for Cr Stuart Miller.
“I was appalled to have learnt that the Brumby Government would defund Reconciliation Victoria, especially without measures to build on its invaluable work,” said Cr Brooks.
This absolutely devastating situation means several communities across Victoria are now left without any reconciliation services, because Reconciliation Victoria had acted as the core body and serviced any areas that did not have an independent group. Reconciliation Victoria also carries out important work to address that the social determinants of Aboriginal health that are largely based on the attitudes, systems, lack of understanding and exclusion of Aboriginal people by the non-Aboriginal community.
I’m heartened that most councillors recognised the urgency of the matter, and agreed that Council could at least put our concerns in writing to the Premier.”
The letter from Council urges the Premier to intervene
“to reinstate ongoing funding to Reconciliation Victoria to send a clear message to the Victorian community about the Victorian State Government’s commitment to reconciliation and the prevention of racism”.
“It is important that many individuals and groups across Victoria voice their support for Reconciliation Victoria funding and tell the State Government that they think their response is short-sighted and hypocritical. We need to tell this government that reconciliation is important” Cr Brooks said.
For enquiries please contact Cr. Geraldine Brooks 93612693
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