FRANKSTON Council is being accused of having a “cover up” culture as more details emerge of bullying claims at the civic centre.
WorkCover was called in to investigate the alleged bullying of a council staff member in 2013 and last month a council meeting was adjourned so councillors could try to resolve their differences over “bullying” allegations away from public view.
The Times understands the female employee’s WorkCover claim for paid leave for time off work was approved.
Revelations of the woman’s claim emerged in the wake of a public council meeting on Monday 19 January being adjourned for about 10 minutes amid “bullying” claims and counter claims between councillors (‘Councillors ‘feel bullied’’, The Times 26/1/15).
Councillors could then be heard shouting at each other behind a closed door in a room at the back of the council chambers.
“WorkCover investigations are confidential and I am not permitted to discuss any such matters,” Cr Mayer said on Friday in response to questions from The Times about the 2013 investigation.
Council insiders, who fear retribution if named, have told The Times complaints about bullying and intimidation “are often swept under the carpet”.
They say the person at the centre of the WorkCover investigation continues to “intimidate” council staff.
Calls to the alleged bully were not returned before publication.
“Derogatory” comments between councillors are also an ongoing problem and have been for several months, according to some councillors.
Cr Mayer previously said there had been no official complaints of bullying by councillors.
On Friday she said “councillors have expressed concerns around behaviour”.
“I took their concerns seriously and held discussions with each, subsequently determining that there was no basis for a formal official complaint.”
Cr Rebekah Spelman claims the mayor is reluctant to act on allegations of bullying between councillors.
“We’re all supposed to be doing the best for Frankston but some of the councillors just seem to be in it for themselves and are pushing personal agendas or bullying based on personal feelings of dislike,” she said.
Cr Mayer said “as mayor of the council I take my responsibilities seriously, treating everyone equally and fairly”.
“My priority is to lead the council, on behalf of the community that I was elected to serve, to deliver key services and projects for the betterment of the community.”
Cr Mayer was elected Frankston mayor by a five-four majority last November for the second time in three years.
Councillors usually agree who the next mayor should be behind closed doors before a mayor is elected for a 12-month term to settle any differences of opinion away from the public glare.
Cr Spelman also put her hand up to be mayor late last year. Some, but not all, of the bullying allegations between councillors occurred months before the latest mayoral election.
