A TENSE Frankston Council meeting boiled over earlier this month, with verbal jabs thrown behind closed doors in the hours that followed.
Frankston Council approved its 2024/2025 budget at its most recent public meeting. Dozens of late changes to the budget were sent to councillors the day before the 3 June meeting and added into the final budget with the support of a slim majority the following night. Multiple councillors voiced their frustration with the changes – councillor Sue Baker walked out of the meeting in protest (“Council cuts climate ties without consultation” The Times 11/6/24).
The Times understands that the budget debate continued behind closed doors after the conclusion of the public meeting – the mayor Nathan Conroy allegedly swore at councillor Brad Hill after an argument witnessed by other councillors and council staff.
In response to questions from The Times, Conroy did not deny the comments were made. He said “it’s not appropriate nor council’s practice to comment on specific conversations between individuals, however, council and councillors are committed to working alongside each other for the betterment of our Frankston City community.”
Brad Hill has called on the mayor to issue an apology – he said “our leaders, especially male leaders, need to be role models and accountable”. “When a community leader like the mayor abuses others with no consequences, no contrition, no apology – it sends a message that abuse is acceptable in our community,” Hill said.
Conroy and Hill have butted heads before during this council term. Conroy was the unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Dunkley at the March by-election – longtime Labor member Hill has targeted Conroy over endorsements he received during that campaign (“By-election endorsement a ‘concern’“, The Times 1/5/24).
Conroy was also asked by The Times if parties affected by the late budget changes had been informed, and if the changes were compliant with the Local Government Act 2020. He said “council is working closely with relevant community stakeholders as we finalise the 2024-2025 budget.” “The alternative motion was moved and adopted consistent with council’s governance rules,” he said.
Council elections are due to take place in October.
Budget blow-up behind closed doors
Frosty in Frankston: The mayor Nathan Conroy (fourth from left) and councillor Brad Hill (third from left) were involved in a verbal confrontation after council’s June public meeting. Picture: Supplied