Councillor Rose: Advocating for the Snowy Monaro’s Future: The Battle for Transparency, Accountability & Good Governance in Council Operations - By Chris Chan
Welcome back to Monaro Zone, your local pulse on the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. Many times when meeting with uninformed people, the trope of 'why are the independents obstructing the council' comes up. I'm genuinely curious what they mean, and if they can cite specific examples of where Councillor Rose or the others have obstructed council without justification. So far, I haven't heard a compelling reply.
They'll often then say 'well, what good has he done?' In which case, if given an opportunity, I'd like to point out a few highlights of how the Independents and in particular Councillor Rose has fought for greater transparency and accountability. For future reference, here are some examples that I think are useful and may hopefully provide easy-to-reach facts for your conversations with friends and neighbors.
Buckle up, we're diving into the motions moved by Councillor Rose over the past months, shedding light on his steadfast push for transparency, accountability, community engagement, and good governance. As the council faces the looming threat of administration, we want to ensure the community remembers who stood up for them and who stood in the way.
Councillor Rose, alongside other independents like Councillors Stewart, Elliot, Thaler and Williamson, has been a vocal advocate for the community’s right to know what is happening within council chambers. His motions reflect an unwavering commitment to transparency, often putting him at odds with the 'Gang' – the coalition of councillors who consistently vote against measures that would bring council operations into the light.
Today, let's break down some of the most critical motions moved by Councillor Rose that highlight his dedication to the public's interest.
1. Access to Legal Advice Regarding CEO Resignation
Date: 24 October 2024
In this meeting, Councillor Rose pushed for councillors to have access to legal advice surrounding the CEO’s resignation. His motion ensured that any legal counsel provided within two weeks before and one week after the resignation was made available to all councillors. The motion passed, but not without opposition. It was a necessary win for transparency and a step toward ensuring elected representatives are equipped with the information they need to fulfill their role as the governing body of council.
Result: Carried
Those for transparency: Rose, Thaler, Elliott, Stewart, Williamson, Hopkins, Mayor Hanna,
Those against: Davis, Higgins, Rooney, Summers
2. Closing Timeframes for Business Papers
Date: 14 November 2024
In November, Councillor Rose proposed limiting the last-minute delivery of business papers to prevent councillors from receiving critical documents mere hours before meetings. This tactic often left councillors scrambling to make informed decisions with insufficient time to review important materials. Notably, just recently, over 1000 pages for the Cobbon Crescent development, were provided to councillors for analysis and review only 48 hours ahead of the meeting.
This session was particularly memorable because, despite hundreds of local signatures calling for better governance and accountability in the Cobbon Crescent development, the Gang dismissed the community's concerns. Councillor Rose's motion was ultimately lost by the narrowest margin, with the Mayor casting the deciding vote.
Result: Lost
For: Rose, Thaler, Stewart, Elliott, Williamson
Against: Davis, Hanna, Higgins, Rooney, Summers
3. Provision of Former CEO’s Contract
Date: 14 November 2024
Councillor Rose strongly advocated for greater oversight by moving to ensure all councillors had confidential access to the contract of former CEO Mr. Hogan. His motion emphasized the principle that councillors, as elected representatives, should have full transparency regarding executive agreements that directly impact ratepayers.
The refusal by the Gang to grant this access raises significant questions. Why would they oppose fellow councillors understanding the terms and implications of a contract that could affect council operations and finances? Shortly after, councillors were required to vote on appointing an interim CEO but were explicitly instructed not to conduct any prior research on the candidate. This lack of transparency and the suppression of due diligence further exemplify the troubling trend of obstruction by the Gang.
Result: Lost
For: Rose, Thaler, Elliott, Williamson, Stewart
Against: Davis, Hanna, Higgins, Hopkins, Rooney, Summers
4. Cost of Security Operations
Date: 12 December 2024
A motion that passed in December called for the Interim CEO to produce a report on the cost and justification for all security operations conducted over the previous 18 months. This motion was one of Rose’s most significant victories, reflecting his vigilance over council spending and his insistence that the community’s money be used responsibly.
Result: Carried
For: Rose, Thaler, Elliott, Stewart, Williamson, Hanna
Against: Davis, Higgins, Rooney, Summers
5. Ratepayer Survey Review
Date: 12 December 2024
Councillor Rose succeeded in passing a motion to review the latest ratepayer survey alongside the past three years' surveys, with the goal of producing an action plan to address recurring issues by early 2025. This motion signified his focus on engaging with community feedback and ensuring ratepayer concerns aren't just heard but acted upon.
Result: Carried
For: Rose, Thaler, Elliott, Stewart, Williamson, Rooney
Against: Davis, Summers, Hanna
6. Independent Audit of the Unreasonable Complainant Conduct (UCC) Policy Date: 24 October 2024
Despite Councillor Rose's continuous efforts, not all motions found success. One significant example was his push for an independent audit of the Unreasonable Complainant Conduct (UCC) policy, designed to ensure alignment with the NSW Ombudsman’s guidelines. This motion aimed to safeguard ratepayers' rights and prevent them from being unfairly restricted from contacting the council simply for asking too many questions – even if their inquiries weren’t classified as formal complaints.
The implications of rejecting this motion are far-reaching. As a ratepayer, you could be denied access to council simply for persistently seeking information. The Gang's opposition to this motion underscores their reluctance to embrace transparency and external scrutiny. Instead, they later passed a diluted version of the audit, with an oversight committee handpicked by council executives – a move that hardly qualifies as an independent assessment. As the saying now goes, “It’s council marking their own homework.”
Result: Lost
For: Rose, Thaler, Elliott, Stewart, Williamson
Against: Davis, Hanna, Higgins, Hopkins, Rooney, Summers
7. Response to the Minister of Local Government
Date: 23 December 2024
Councillor Rose supported a motion by Councillor Thaler, to comply with the Minister of Local Government’s request for a written response from the council in relation to his proposed PIO and council performance. This motion aimed to highlight to the Minister the council's progress while addressing concerns of potential administration. However, although it had been requested by the Minister of Local Government, it was blocked by the Gang, the same bloc that consistently resists transparency and accountability.
Those suffering from what some call 'Thaler Derangement Syndrome' often question why Councillor Rose sometimes supports Councillor Thaler. The answer is simple – Councillor Thaler is also fighting for transparency and accountability, and ‘the Gang’ are fighting for the opposite of these things. The Gang not only tried to deprive a duly elected representative of his voice before he was even sworn in, but they are also willing - without a word - to let the council be sent into administration after he was. The same names repeatedly vote together to obstruct accountability and transparency, earning them the infamous community title of 'the Gang' from frustrated ratepayers.
Result: Lost
For: Rose, Thaler, Elliott, Stewart, Williamson
Against: Davis, Hanna, Higgins, Hopkins, Rooney, Summers
It's worth noting that Councillor Rose and many of the Independents have repeatedly put themselves on the line, pushing for access to critical documents and calling out the systemic issues plaguing the council. When the council debates seem destined for gridlock, it's been Councillor Rose and the Independents who have voiced the concerns of the ratepayers.
If, as many fear, the council is put into administration, we hope the community will remember the Independents who consistently fought for their interests. Councillor Rose's record is a testament to the value of standing firm against secrecy, and lack of accountability and due process according to the Local Government Act.
As we wrap up, we urge our listeners to stay informed. Attend council meetings, watch the webcasts, and keep track of your elected representatives' actions. Transparency and accountability don't happen by accident – they happen because people like Councillor Rose demand them. If you want a free and prosperous Monaro, support the Independents that are fighting for you! Please share this podcast with those in our region, and together let's continue to bring the light to the darkness. Keep the faith, and let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
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