Friends
of Nillumbik asked Council: This FON question is prompted by the need for a Council response to the Victorian Planning Minister’s request for advice on any “anomalies and inclusions” in Nillumbik. In light of some Councillors having made public statements and commentaries on this green wedge issue and, in the case of some Councillors, having a potential pecuniary conflict of interest, has the CEO provided all Councillors, individually, with advice as to their legal status in their decision as to whether or not they are entitled to participate in tonight’s vote, bearing in mind the ramifications of the Victorian Supreme Court’s “Winky Pop” decision? Stuart Burdack, Chief Executive Officer, responded: Councillors are individually and personally responsible for identifying and declaring conflicts of interest in respect to their personal circumstances. Councillors are supported in order to fulfil their obligations through the provision of reference materials, advice and information from senior officers and external parties with expertise in this area of the Local Government Act. This is the case for this and all matters under consideration by Council. |