AN apparent lack of transparency at the highest levels of Frankston Council has seen an attempt to curb councillors’ freedom of speech flounder amid dubious claims of “incorrect information” supplied to the media.
Councillors agreed last month to defer a debate about a proposed amended council media policy which would have forced councillors to advise the mayor Cr Sandra Mayer “of any comments that they have made or are intending to make to the media”.
Councillors are elected representatives, not employees of council, and should be able to express opinions without being gagged by council.
A council officer’s report claimed unclear procedures for media enquiries “has recently resulted in several instances of incorrect, unverified or potentially damaging information being provided to the media”.
The report also claimed “retractions” had to be issued “in some cases”.
When asked by The Times to provide examples of “incorrect information” or “retractions” both the mayor and council CEO Dennis Hovenden did not provide even one example.
Both repeatedly declined to answer the questions and instead supplied written comments which failed to address the claims made in the council officer’s report used as one of the main reasons to amend council’s media policy.
Despite not providing any examples of incorrect information or retractions in the media, Mr Hovenden said he hoped council’s new media policy, yet to be adopted, “helps to reduce these situations from occurring”.
Cr Mayer said the proposed media policy changes are part of a regular review.
“Of course councillors are allowed to have their own opinion. However, if it may conflict with a formal council position it should be made known that it’s their own view.”
The planned media policy makes it clear councillors could face consequences if they speak to the media without notifying the mayor.
“Any staff member or councillor speaking to the media without the appropriate approval will not be supported by council in the event of any pursuant legal or other action against council,” the policy states.
The Times understands the media policy debate was deferred because several councillors are troubled by what seems like an attempt to control what they say.
Deputy mayor Cr Glenn Aitken said “it is only fair” that councillors let the mayor know when they have spoken to the media as “a courtesy”.
Cr Aitken said councillors do have a right to express their opinions as long as they make it clear it may not be council’s official position.
The council officer’s report noted opposition from councillors about the draft media policy.
“Councillors are of the view that they should be able to speak to the media on issues related to their wards,” the report said.
“It is recommended that they continue to do this, but they should inform [the] Media and Communications [department] who will inform the mayor and the chief executive officer.”
