By Natalee Kerr
Surf Coast councillors must avoid posting “unflattering” photos of others, “liking” social media posts and talking to journalists under a new council media policy.
The policy also prevents councillors saying anything that could publicly undermine “council decisions or other councillors”.
Other sections demand mayoral approval of anything on council letterheads and requests that journalists confirm material prior to publication.
Cr Heather Wellington “strongly” disagreed with the policy as the only councillor to vote against it this week.
Some councillors mistakenly believed that the policy applied only to social media, she said.
“It applies to all interactions with the media, including any discussion in the council chamber when journalists are present.
“I support open communication with the community, and the media has an essential role to play in that.”
Cr Wellington said the policy also prevented councillors speaking to the media about operational matters and decisions under consideration.
“How can the community engage if they don’t know what decisions are being considered,” she said.
The shire wrote the policy after councillors requested guidance on how to deal with various forms of media.
Cr Wellington said some councillors wrongly thought the policy was only a “guideline”.
“It includes a statement that says, ‘By adopting this policy councillors agree to follow these guidelines’. It’s clear that it’s a rule with potentially serious consequences if it is broken.”
Councillors breaching the guidelines face penalties including bans, fines and up to five years’ imprisonment.
