Farrell: Andy ‘out to get me’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
BESIEGED Geelong councillor Jan Farrell has accused colleague Andy Richards of an orchestrated campaign against her.
But Cr Richards has hit back, saying Cr Farrell is trying to cover her own failings on council.
Cr Farrell is the subject of a council code of conduct investigation for supplying a glassing thug with a court reference. She has also faced criticism for undertaking overseas trips without council approval and for overspending her travel allowance.
Cr Farrell said Cr Richards was trying to discredit her for attending an international gambling conference last week.
Cr Richards used the opportunity to “play politics” rather than show compassion for gambling victims, she said.
“I can understand that Cr Richards has used this opportunity to kick off a campaign against my re-election, that’s politics, but I think he’s scored an own-goal.”
Cr Farrell said she returned from the New Zealand conference with new contacts, ideas and methods to counter gambling problems.
She would provide a detailed report on the trip.
“I refuse to be bullied and will continue to stand up for my community. I am really proud of the work we do in this field – we are state leaders.”
Cr Farrell said she had spent $2916 of her $3000 annual trip allowance.
Cr Richards said the issue demonstrated why Cr Farrell was removed from council’s democracy and governance portfolio last year.
“ I’m not sure the City would want her representing us overseas in any case. It’s hard to orchestrate a campaign when no councillor knew anything about Cr Farrell’s overseas trip until contacted by the media.
“I believe strongly in gambling regulation and have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow councillors in demanding better outcomes.
“Cr Farrell is yet to provide any briefing verbal or otherwise for her two previous overseas gambling conferences.”