Darwin councillor Sylvia Klonaris is among three elected representatives found to have allegedly breached the City of Darwin’s social media policy after endorsing candidates in the Chan Ward by-election on their official council Facebook pages.
Klonaris, along with councillors Julie Fraser and Patrik Ralph, removed the posts after questions were raised about the endorsements. More than 500 votes had already been cast in pre-polling before the posts were taken down.
City of Darwin policy requires councillors’ official social media accounts to remain impartial and apolitical. Breaches can result in code of conduct complaints if formally reported by the council’s chief executive or other elected members.
Klonaris, who represents Waters Ward, endorsed former councillor Mirella Fejo on her official Facebook page.
Responding to questions after she removed the post, Klonaris said: “I inadvertently posted an endorsement for a candidate on my councillor page instead of my personal page. Once City of Darwin officers advised that this was a potential breach of policy, I removed the post immediately.”
She did not specify when she was asked to remove the endorsement.
It remains unclear whether any formal complaints will be lodged over the breaches ahead of voting day on May 30.
Source: NT News.
