Mitcham councillor forced to apologise to three colleagues after implying they were racist on social media

·

Mitcham councillor Karen Hockley breached multiple codes of conduct when she implied her colleagues were racist in a Facebook post, a legal investigation has found.

Reported by The Advertiser, the Local Government Governance Panel launched a $6000 investigation Cr Hockley, finding that she breached four codes of conduct last year.

She will be forced to apologise to councillors Lindy Taeuber and Adriana Christopoulos – and former councillor Jasmine Berry, who resigned following the Facebook spat.

Cr Hockley last June made a Facebook post accusing the councillors of a “mass walkout” during a proposal she made for the council to voice official support for the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

Jasmine Berry.

The meeting closed three minutes before its scheduled finishing time after four councillors left, leaving it without a quorum. It meant Cr Hockley’s proposal could not be debated on the night.

Cr Hockley also alleged, in the comments of the Facebook post, that racism “maybe” existed within Mitcham Council.

The report found she failed to act in a way that would generate community trust and confidence in the council, did not show respect for her colleagues, did not endeavour to provide accurate information to the council and public, and did not endeavour to maintain a respectful relationship with all council members, regardless of differences.

Cr Hockley said she would apologise to her colleagues but she believed it was “a bit of a storm in a tea cup”.

“It could have been resolved informally with the councillors involved and yet it went through this process and cost the community four to six grand when it could have easily been discussed over a coffee or whatever and dealt with,” Cr Hockley said.

Sourced By: The Advertiser

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Three generations of Greek Australian Christmas celebrations

The Tragellis-Alepidis women, each with their own Christmas memories, have woven a beautiful tapestry of tradition, love, and family.

‘It’s magical’: Why Greek Australians love Christmas in Greece

We spoke with several Greek Australians who have spent the festive season in different parts of Greece - Athens, Larissa, Elis, and Katerini.

Thessaloniki at Christmas: Rich history, culture and festive charm

Each December, Thessaloniki transforms into a winter destination, composing a blend of rich history, culture, and Christmas charm.

Jaaks and The Kyle Bay win at the 2024 National Restaurant and Catering Awards

Jaaks and The Kyle Bay have received two prestigious awards at the recent 2024 National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.

Why John and Joanne celebrate Christmas in Greece the British way

Joanne and John's Christmas celebrations take place in Greece, but it is a British-style Christmas for the couple and their family.

You May Also Like

Greece ranks third among Mediterranean cruise destinations

Data from the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME) show that Greek ports handled 7,003,150 passengers in 2023, up from 4,629,650 in 2022.

Two Greek Australians recognised with Australian Bravery Decorations for their courageous acts

Manny Koulakis and Nicholas Karagiannis have been recognised with Australian Bravery Decorations for their courageous acts.

Second pilot found dead after Greek fighter jet crashes in Ionian Sea

Major Stathis Tsitlakidis has been found dead two days after the F-4 Phantom Greek fighter jet he was flying crashed in the Ionian Sea.