Police called after push comes to shove …

By Melissa Meehan
POLICE are investigating an incident between two Cardinia councillors at a special council meeting on Monday night.
It is believed tempers and emotions were running high as a controversial matter was discussed behind closed doors, leading to a clash between Crs Collin Ross and Bill Pearson.
The News has been told council was debating the behaviour of a fellow councillor. After the meeting, it is understood that emotions boiled over, with a number of councillors involved in a heated discussion.
Councillor Collin Ross said he was the victim of an incident and he had contacted police and made a statement.
His colleague Cr Ed Chatwin said the special meeting was requested by three councillors who moved a motion on a sensitive topic.
“It (the discussion) was acrimonious in some parts,” Cr Chatwin said.
“One councillor was agitated and acted inappropriately after the meeting when all business had been decided.”
In an email sent to Cardinia Shire Council CEO, Garry McQuillan, Cr Ross said it was with “great shock and dismay” that he had to bring the issue to the CEO’s attention.
“Last night (Monday) at about 7.25pm there was an incident in the council chambers as I was about to leave,” Cr Ross said.
“I was waiting for Cr Chatwin at the journalists’ table when angrily confronted by Cr Pearson. I have complained to police most vigorously about this disgusting event and it is now under police investigation.”
Cr Ross said he would not comment further as it could affect future legal action.
Pakenham Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said no charges had been laid but investigations were continuing.
Cr Pearson told the News that as far as he was concerned no incident had occurred at the council meeting and he declined to comment any further.
This is not the first time Cardinia Council has hit controversy. Former councillor Bill Ronald was asked to step down after a physical confrontation with the CEO of the time in 2006.