Dear Readers
Please see correspondence below sent to the Councillors of Victor Harbor Council. Council Watch is determined to make sure that the Council is accountable and transparent in all matters. In our opinion this is not happening now and has been a problem for some time.
Council Watch can always be contacted either through our website or by email
website – councilwatchvictorharbor.com email – councilwatch44@gmail.com
Dear Elected Members of Victor Harbor,
We are writing regarding a matter of significant concern about the fundamental right of elected council members to speak freely on council matters in their individual capacity.
Council Watch acknowledges that under the Local Government Act 1999, the CEO and Mayor of the City of Victor Harbor are the official spokespersons for Council. However, this statutory designation does not restrict individual councillors from expressing their personal views on council matters. Your right to voice independent opinions remains protected and is, in fact, essential to democratic governance.
It has come to our attention that there appears to be an effort to restrict councillors from expressing their personal views on council matters. This potential limitation on free speech not only contradicts the principles established in Commonwealth, State, and local government legislation but could also expose the council to legal challenges.
As elected representatives, you have both a right and a duty to speak on behalf of your constituents. Simply raising your hand during voting sessions, without explaining your reasoning to the community, falls short of true representative governance. Your constituents deserve to understand the rationale behind your decisions and how these choices serve their interests.
To promote transparency and accountability, Council Watch extends an invitation to all elected members to submit monthly reports detailing:
- Your activities and initiatives as a council representative
- Your perspectives on current council matters
- Your reasoning behind significant votes
- Any concerns regarding council decisions that affect your constituents
We commit to publishing these reports in full on our website and with emailing newsletters, ensuring your unfiltered views reach the community you serve.
This initiative aims to preserve the democratic principles of local government and maintain open communication between elected officials and their constituents.
We look forward to your participation and response to this important matter.
Best regards,
Terry
Council Watch
Council Watch Victor Harbor 