Griffith City Council's drafted committees policy has sparked concerns of overreach and undermining democratic procedure after it included a clause preventing volunteers from talking to council activities.
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Shari Blumer, a candidate in the upcoming elections, described the policy as 'undemocratic' and 'unneeded.'
"I'm concerned about the potential impact of the draft policy on democratic debate. In particular, it states that committee members must not comment on council policy, even as private individuals," she said.
The drafted policy states that voluntary members of committees would be bound by council's media and social media policy, meaning that a volunteer on any committee could not speak out regarding any council actions, even on unrelated topics.
The policy states that can still talk as private individuals, but cannot comment on council business or policy and can't be identified as committee members.
Brian Sainty, a frequent volunteer on committees, said that the policy seemed designed to silence any criticism.
"This is ridiculous, dangerous and counter-productive," he said.
"How can a committee member interested in one thing, let's say the roads, be gagged from expressing publically his thoughts on something like the regional theatre or the gallery?"
"I would have thought that community-minded people who are joining these committees are the people who should be making comments," Mr Sainty added.
He added that he was reminded of an experience he had with council monitoring his own statements.
Ms Blumer said that the reasoning behind the policy was understandable, but said it was still an overreach.
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"I think the intention was well-meaning, as most policies are, in that they wanted to make sure the conversations were respectful. They'd like to manage the public statements made by people but I see that as a possible overreach and I think it's not appropriate to limit the rights of volunteers," she explained.
Mr Sainty said that council shouldn't be worried about personal attacks.
"If council are concerned about critiques becoming personal, they shouldn't be. There are many legal protections against personal vilification"
Ms Blumer said that it was vital that citizens continue to have the 'right to ask questions' and the 'right to criticise.'
The drafted policy is currently on exhibition on the Griffith City Council website.
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