A KINGSTON councillor has apologised for appearing in a video alongside a crude prop “girlfriend” with a vacuum hose for a mouth.
Cr Tim Cochrane says he is “mortified” that the offensive video featuring him has resurfaced on social media.
The video shows Cr Cochrane holding a vacuum hose with a crudely drawn depiction of a woman’s face around it. In the video he mockingly says “Tim, you need to get yourself a girlfriend. No I don’t,” before panning to the vulgar prop.
Cr Cochrane said the video was posted on social media 10 years ago, and that he is “embarrassed” to watch it now.
“This was a very foolish attempt to make a joke I thought was at my own expense, as a young man in my early 20s. I offer no excuses, this kind of stupid attempt at humour isn’t edgy or funny, it’s just dumb and thoughtless,” he said.
“I now understand how offensive this video is and I’m extremely sorry. I think as men we need to call this rubbish out at all levels, especially if that means calling out our own past.”
Kingston mayor Steve Staikos said “like the rest of the community, my fellow councillors and I were shocked and disappointed when we saw the offensive and inappropriate video. “
“As mayor I have discussed this matter directly with Cr Tim Cochrane who deeply regrets his actions from a decade ago. He has apologised and acknowledged his behaviour at that time was offensive and inappropriate, and in no way reflects his current views or values,” Cr Staikos said.
“Kingston Council takes the issues of equality and inclusion in our community very seriously and has taken a proactive role over recent years including developing the Prevention of Family Violence Action Plan 2019-2021 in partnership with Victoria Police, health organisations and community groups.
“All councillors will be undertaking mandatory gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness training.”
Cr Staikos said the video did not put Cr Cochrane in violation of council’s code of conduct, which “governs our councillors’ behaviour while they are a councillor and performing the duties of a councillor, not before they were elected.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 24 March 2021