In terms of transparency, accountability, and genuine community engagement, it is our view that this council has slipped even further into the mire. Nothing that we can see would indicate any change in the culture, objectives, and policies of the ruling clique. If anything, the situation has worsened with the continued defection of Pilling, and the gang’s ‘recruitment’ of Sounness and Okotel and at times, Delahunty.

2013 will stand as testimony to the failure of this council and its councillors to achieve anything approaching the principles of good governance and working for the community. We base our judgement on the following list of catastrophes –

  • The continued reappointment of Newton without advertising the position PLUS a 30 to 40 thousand dollar pay hike!
  • The introduction of the new Residential Zones in secrecy and as per norm, without any public consultation
  • The continued presence of Lipshutz, McLean and Gibbs on the most vital advisory committee – the Audit committee.
  • The riding roughshot over residents’ views – GESAC car park extensions; devious destruction of Caulfield Park trees; Koornang Rd and Centenary park proposed tree destruction.
  • The above demonstrate the failure to plan in a prudent and cost effective fashion. When literally millions are spent as an ‘afterthought’ on bitumen and concrete plinths, what does this say about prudence, business planning, and overall financial management?
  • The failure to introduce a Notice of Motion and other democratic reforms
  • The continual reappointments of Lipshutz, McLean and Gibbs to the Audit Committee
  • The formation of a ‘consultation committee’ that hasn’t played any role in any ‘consultations’ for the past 18 months and the failure to appoint the original submitters since they presumably did not meet the ‘pliable/ignorant’ requirements of the ruling clique
  • The failure to ensure that those who fork out the money (ie residents) are given priority in any sporting allocation especially the McKinnon Basketball Club at GESAC, and Ajax Seniors
  • The continual doctoring of minutes, and failure to produce answers, rather than ‘responses’ to public question
  • The continued approval of substandard dwellings of 8, 10, 12 storeys
  • The continued waiving of car parking requirements without justification
  • The failure to introduce proper reporting standards in planning
  • The failure to pursue developers for breaches of permits or the law
  • The continued cow-towing to the mrc
  • The continued ‘top down’ approach to consultation
  • The failure to include community representation on most committees

There is much, much more that could be mentioned. Much needs to happen in order for this council to be dragged screaming into the realm of good, open government. We remain committed to working towards this objective and continuing to highlight the shortcomings and duplicity of these councillors and their overlords.