Questions over

By Melissa Meehan
Ms O’Connor asked whether there would be a formal explanation concerning the conduct of Port Ward councillor Stuart Halligan.
She said many community members had expressed shock and surprise regarding the serious nature of the charges involved and questioned the manner in which the matter had been handled by all concerned.
Mayor George Blenkhorn answered the question, despite Cr Halligan being in the chamber.
He said the outcome of the court case, in which Cr Halligan pleaded guilty to four of 11 charges, had no impact on him continuing on council.
Cr Blenkhorn also refused Ms O’Connor the opportunity to ask a question, against protocol, until Cr Brett Owen called a point of order.
Ms O’Connor then asked whether Cr Blenkhorn had provided a character reference as a private person or on behalf of the council.
“Yes, I acted as a character witness as a proud individual who has known Cr Halligan for a long period of time,” Cr Blenkhorn said.
As part of legal proceedings, Cr Halligan has resigned from the police force and been fined over four charges he pleaded guilty to including two counts of using a phone service to menace, one count of possessing a silencer without a permit and one count of failing to store handgun or longarm ammunition properly.