A DISPUTE between two Hobsons Bay councillors could cost ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, after talks failed at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
In February, VCAT ordered Williamstown North’s Peter Hemphill and mayor Tony Briffa to undergo mediation.
However, the feud has now escalated with the warring councillors scheduled to go before a two-member panel at a three-day hearing on or after May 25.
The dispute started last June when Cr Hemphill made a complaint against Cr Briffa, alleging misconduct.
On August 11, a councillor-conduct panel convened by the Municipal Association of Victoria found Cr Briffa had breached the council’s code of conduct in respect to three emails sent to a former Mobil public relations adviser.
Cr Briffa, who was not at the hearing because he was with a terminally-ill friend, was ordered to apologise, undertake mentoring and undergo counselling under supervision of the mayor.
Cr Briffa has twice apologised to the former PR adviser, the second time offering his unreserved apology at a public council meeting.
VCAT has now sealed all files relating to the case.
Hobsons Bay Weekly has applied to VCAT to release the documents, arguing that the hearing is in the public interest, particularly as it is being funded by ratepayers.
In our application we argue that local governance should be transparent and ratepayers should know how their money is being spent.
Cr Briffa said he believed the complaint against him should be withdrawn. “Cr Hemphill’s complaint is unfortunate and he should withdraw it before he causes further unnecessary ratepayer expense,” he said.
“I have tried everything to resolve this matter and have no option but to defend myself.
“At least this time I will be at the hearing to defend myself and it will be open to the public. I have absolutely nothing to hide.”
Cr Hemphill did not respond to the Weekly’s request for comment.
