In the world of local government, where democracy is supposed to thrive, a peculiar story has unfolded in the small town of Wyndham. It's a tale that has left many scratching their heads and wondering about the future of free speech and local governance. At the heart of this drama is Josh Gilligan, a councillor who found himself in the crosshairs of a controversial code of conduct. This is not just a story about a suspended politician; it's a cautionary tale about the delicate balance between accountability and free expression in the public sphere.
A Local spat, a Statewide Issue
The story begins with a simple news report. As a journalist, I was tasked with covering the potential sale of a historic RAAF site in Point Cook. In the course of my reporting, I reached out to Josh Gilligan, the Wyndham mayor, for his thoughts on the matter. His response, while passionate and colorful, was deemed out of line by the Department of Defence. But this was just the tip of the iceberg. The real drama unfolded when Gilligan was suspended for two weeks for misconduct, in part due to his comments to The Age.
The Code of Conduct Conundrum
The issue at hand is the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, introduced by the Labor government in October 2024. This code is designed to ensure that councillors conduct themselves with integrity and respect. However, as the story of Gilligan illustrates, it has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a framework for accountability. On the other, it risks stifling free speech and robust political debate.
A Chilling Effect on Free Speech
In my opinion, the code has had a chilling effect on free speech and democratic representation in local government. It's not just about the potential for sanctions; it's about the psychological impact on councillors. As Geoff Lake, a seasoned councillor, pointed out, the arbitration framework fails to allow for robust political debate. It's as if councillors are being told to keep quiet until everyone agrees, which is an unhealthy approach to local governance.
The Weaponization of the Code
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the potential for the code to be weaponized. As David Limbrick, a libertarian upper house MP, noted, the code has been used to settle petty political scores. It's not just about the sanctions; it's about the underlying politics and power struggles that play out in local government. The code, in this context, becomes a tool for those in power to silence their opponents.
The Future of Local Governance
This raises a deeper question: what does the future hold for local governance in Victoria? As Jennifer Anderson, the president of the Municipal Association of Victoria, suggested, the government's reforms to local government laws should be matched by real investment in supporting councillors and mayors. The code of conduct, in its current form, risks creating discontent and dysfunction in local government, which is the last thing we need.
A Call for Reform
In my view, the Model Councillor Code of Conduct needs reform. It should be reviewed to ensure that it supports free speech and robust political debate, rather than stifling it. The government should get to work on this, as the code is currently being used to silence those who speak out on issues that matter to their communities. The future of local governance depends on it.
