Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 28, 2025

Purpose:

Content: A formal investigation was undertaken further to allegations made by Councillor Matthew Bailey that Councillor Tim Harrison had breached the Councillor Code of Conduct. The investigation found that breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct had occurred. The matter was referred to a meeting of the Hearing Review Panel (the Panel). The Panel was requested to consider the investigator’s report in accordance with the Council’s procedures for dealing with complaints against councillors. It was the role of the Panel to make a decision on the investigator’s findings as to whether Councillor Harrison had breached the Councillor Code of Conduct.   Prior to the commencement of formal business, the Panel were informed that the Council’s current Independent Person was unable to attend the Hearing due to ill health. However, the Council’s former Independent Person Fred Mann had given his views on the complaint and these views were circulated to Panel members, the subject councillor and the complainant. After deliberating, both the Panel, the complainant and the subject councillor confirmed that they were content to proceed in the absence of the current Independent Person.