Councillors to access all areas

By Paul Dunlop
BEEFEDUP security at Cardinia Shire Council offices will be relaxed to let councillors come and go as they please.
The council last week issued a directive that will mean councillors are given the same access to the shire’s Henty Way complex as staff.
Security measures at the shire offices were recently tightened up in the wake of several incidents involving attempted breakins, vandalism and other concerns.
But the upgrade upset some councillors who felt they had been cut off.
Councillors said the current situation promoted a “them and us” mentality.
Mayor Bill Ronald said the measures introduced last year meant councillors only had access to the council meeting chambers, not to the rest of the building.
He said councillors should have unrestricted access to the shire offices at all times, as had been the case before the change.
Cr Ronald’s colleagues supported the move.
Cr Doug Hamilton said the security measures were an “unnecessary restriction”.
Councillors also waived suggestions they should first be trained before receiving new access entitlements to ensure they avoided any potential for bullying of staff.
Cr Graeme Legge raised the prospect of training after acting chief executive Gary McQuillan said councillors could legally be considered employees.
Mr McQuillan said all council staff had received training to make sure they understood their responsibilities under Occupational Health and Safety (OH and S) legislation.
Cr Kate Lempriere said in her three years as a councillor she had never seen any cause for concern.
She did not believe the OH and S training was necessary.
“I believe councillors treated staff with respect,” Cr Lempriere said, adding she had never witnessed any instances of bullying.
“If we all act with decorum and a responsible attitude that will not happen.
“If it does, staff have a right to report it.”
Cr Brett Owen said the lack of access put a barrier between staff and councillors.
He said giving councillors the same rights as staff would reduce the threat of an “us and them” mentality.
“We are all trying to work for the betterment of Cardinia Shire,” Cr Owen said.