A Surf Coast Shire councillor has abruptly left his first council meeting back following a month-long suspension.
Torquay Ward councillor Paul Barker, who was found to have engaged in misconduct resulting his suspension, made remarks during the 29 October meeting, including “I could be penalised for saying what I actually feel” and “free speech is not supported in this environment”.
It all came to a head during a debate later in the night over council’s public lighting policy and guidelines after Cr Barker expressed concerns over the unknown costs associated with the policy.
“If you want us to endorse policy and you have no idea of the costs, that is the most economically reckless thing that you could do,” he said.
Cr Barker was then interrupted by Cr Libby Stapleton who called for a point of order, a procedural motion that draws attention to a potential violation of the rules or proper procedure.
“Based on the model code of conduct, council must treat others, including members of council staff, with dignity, fairness, objectivity, courtesy and respect, and I don’t think Cr Barker’s comments do that,” she said.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth allowed the point of order and directed Cr Barker to “just talk to the motion without showing disrespect towards the organisation”.
Council chambers went silent for a few minutes with Mayor Bodsworth asking Cr Barker twice to “please continue to talk to the motion”, with Cr Barker responding with, “I was before I was interrupted”.
Cr Barker then muttered “this is anti-democratic” before proceeding to pack up and leave council chambers, with Mayor Bodsworth calling for a five-minute break following the departure.
Cr Barker was suspended from council on 24 September over comments made in a Facebook post relating to Pilk Purriyn and statements made during a February council meeting, which was followed by an email sent to fellow councillors and the media, including the Geelong Independent.
