Is the Labor Party Orchestrating a Playbook to Undermine Independent Councillors in Shaolhaven?
A Case of Déjà Vu in Local Governance - By Chris Chan
Welcome back to the Monaro Zone.
In regional Australia, local governance often feels like a world of its own, with unique challenges and disputes. However, a closer look reveals strikingly similar patterns playing out in different councils across the state. It's easy to forget the bigger picture when focusing on the local issues in the Snowy Monaro, and it’s tempting to think the problems we face here are unique. But thanks to social media and a growing network of online supporters both in this region and beyond, we’re gaining insights into parallel happenings elsewhere—in places as different as Shoalhaven’s pleasant coastal towns. Despite its larger population and more developed infrastructure, Shoalhaven faces a problem all too familiar to us: the looming threat of Ministerial Local Government intervention. Not to mention that we just inherited their CEO Stephen Dunshea who, let’s say, has his own Facebook Group of detractors (look up “Eye On Shaolhaven” for a fun read) - but lets not get distracted.
Before we continue, we would also like to extend our thanks to an insider, who provided this information just moments ago, helping to shed light on the concerning similarities and suspicious timing of these actions. Their willingness to share these insights underscores the importance of transparency and vigilance in protecting our local democracy. To our people on the inside - Thank you.
Shoalhaven: A Call for Administrators
Shoalhaven Councillor Ben Krikstolaitis, a Labor Party member, recently moved a notice of motion calling for the intervention of the Minister of Local Government for an administrator to take over the council’s financial management. Yes - that's right - just like our own two Labor councillors, Higgins and Summers, who, at the Extraordinary General Meeting on January 10th (called by Independent councillors to move a motion to provide the requested collective response to the minister - which passed) both spoke against the motion for the letter and seemed keen to hand the matter to the minister without a council response. The Labor Councillors seemed far too happy to throw our democracy into the bin, as is their fellow Labor Shoalhaven councillor. Certainly it's an interesting coincidence.
This action, revealed through leaked branch ALP meeting minutes, revealed that Cr Krikstolaitis’ motion declared that the Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin ALP branch “seeks urgent intervention by the Local Government Minister into the activities of the Shoalhaven City Council.” The motion also urged the Minister to appoint an administrator to oversee council finances and restructuring.
This move has sparked outrage among Shoalhaven councillors, with accusations of “white-anting” and undermining the council’s ability to address its own challenges. Cr Selena Clancy described the motion as a “knee-jerk reaction” that harms the council’s cohesion and reputation. Meanwhile, Cr Bob Proudfoot, an independent, warned of the political fallout for the Labor Party, describing the motion as “a blight on Labor.”
Snowy Monaro: A Suspiciously Timed PIO
In SMRC, the Labor Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig recently issued a notice of intent for a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) following alleged and apparently uninvestigated complaints of councillor codes of conduct and financial concerns. While some of our council issues are undeniable, the timing of the PIO raises eyebrows. Cr Rooney and the two Labor candidates have welcomed ministerial action, and some have argued that they have deliberately sought it. Just as in the Shaolhaven Council chambers, Independent SMRC councillors have echoed concerns, suggesting that the Minister’s actions might expedite a shift in power dynamics unfavorable to duly elected independent representatives of the community.
It’s a strange thing that the Minister for Local Government would be investigating us at this point in time. The new councillors have only just started their jobs since October. Where was the Minister when six million dollars went missing, or when the Mayor lied about the catastrophic water tank collapse, or when residents in our region were being put on a banned list for asking questions? But suddenly, he’s all concerned because one of the councillors said some choice words on social media? Curious, indeed!
A Playbook in Action?
The parallels between Shoalhaven and SMRC are too striking to ignore:
Labor Councillor Support for Administrators: In both cases, Labor representatives have either actively supported or passively enabled the notion of bringing in administrators, a move that diminishes the autonomy of councils and silences independent voices.
Ministerial Intervention: In SMRC, the Labor Minister’s issuance of a notice of intent for a PIO aligns suspiciously with Cr Rooney’s warnings of a short hop into administration. Meanwhile, Shoalhaven’s call for intervention appears to follow a similar script, with Labor councillors framing administrators as the best solution.
Independent Marginalization: Independent councillors in both councils have been vocal about their exclusion from key decision-making processes. In SMRC, the ‘Hanna Gang’ has been accused of partisan behavior, while in Shoalhaven, Cr Clancy’s remarks highlight frustrations over a lack of collaborative leadership.
Implications for Democracy
If these actions indeed reflect a coordinated Labor Party playbook, the implications for local democracy are severe. By pushing for administrators or leveraging ministerial power, Labor risks eroding the independence and accountability of local councils. This strategy not only sidelines non-Labor voices but also centralizes decision-making in a manner that undermines community representation.
The Path Forward
The public deserves transparency about the motives driving these interventions. Are they genuine attempts to address governance failures, or are they politically motivated efforts to discredit independents and pave the way for Labor dominance in regional councils? Shoalhaven and SMRC’s ratepayers must demand answers, as these actions set a troubling precedent for the future of local government.
Conclusion
While governance challenges in Shoalhaven and SMRC are undeniable, the suspicious timing and similar actions of Labor representatives cannot be ignored. Whether coincidental or calculated, the perception of a coordinated playbook to undermine independents threatens to deepen distrust in local councils. Ratepayers must remain vigilant, ensuring that interventions prioritize genuine improvement over political gain. You also wonder what the role of the SMRC mayor is, given that, unlike independent councillors, he has refused to publicly share his letter to Minister Hoenig. What does he have to hide?
Thanks again for all your support. Keep sharing and spreading this message far and wide. Together we can keep the region informed of the shenanigans eroding our democratic rights. Remember - let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"
