Council to lock horns with MP

By Lia Bichel
PUT the kettle on…Casey councillors have invited a local MP for coffee to confront him about allegations made in recent newspaper articles.
Last week, Casey councillors voted to address their concerns with Narre Warre North MP Luke Donnellan after he told the Berwick News and the Herald Sun that councillors were misspending ratepayers’ money.
The articles focused on three councillors who were found to have spent up to $200 each for horse riding lessons for a Riding of the Bounds event, which the Herald Sun originally reported was up to $800 each. The other event cited was a boat cruise by councillors around Western Port Bay, which included lunch and beverages.
Casey Council maintains that it was not a cruise, rather an education boat trip to teach councillors about the marine national park and the benefits of its mangroves system.
Cr Sam Aziz said while Mr Donnellan was only quoted in the articles, he wondered where the Herald Sun received the inaccurate information.
“What I am concerned about is the incorrect information which is being written about in the articles. A journalist quoted Mr Donnellan, but I am wondering where the information in the article came from,” Cr Aziz said.
“I think the council as a whole should approach him to ensure he doesn’t have the incorrect information in the future. We need to understand what his problem is with council. I think it’s mischievous.
“I am happy we are extending an olive branch to him. He is the only member at Casey constantly coming out and attacking council.”
Mr Donnellan said he believed the Casey Council should focus their attention on larger issues in the municipality.
“I think this is another stunt from the conservative councillors- a bit of attention seeking,” he said.
“ Their focus should be on the big issues of seeking money for their ward, especially from the State Government. I suggest they should concentrate on asking the Baillieu Government to deliver the money for Stevenson’s Road Landfill as promised, and ask the current government about funding for roads and hospital beds. (The councillors) have bigger fish to fry.”
Mr Donnellan said he believed many Casey councillors “worked hard” while some were “prancing around like kids.”
Mr Donnellan has not yet responded to the council’s request.