Security is likely to be stepped up at Maribyrnong Council following the violent assault of two councillors.
Police have charged a 61-year-old Yarraville man over an incident at Tuesday night’s council meeting in which councillor Grant Miles was coward punched in the head and Cr Nam Quach was body-slammed to the floor and kicked.
Another man was interviewed but is yet to be charged.
The assaults came in the midst of loud heckling after anger boiled over when a move to repeal paid parking in Yarraville was voted down by the two councillors along with new mayor Cameron McDonald.
ONE OF THE PARKING METERS BEHIND THE TROUBLE
Police have labelled the incident an “attack on the democratic process”.
Cr Quach told Star Weekly he still felt fuzzy and was experiencing headaches from the incident.
“Violence is never okay. Whatever your view on a matter, this is totally unacceptable.”
Cr Miles said he avoided more serious injury by turning in time to catch sight of the man as he struck his blow.
Security implications
He said he has called for a meeting with the mayor and council chief executive Stephen Wall to discuss steps to improve councillor safety.
“I want to discuss what we can do and what measures can be put in place,” he said.
If the CEO can’t look me in the eye and tell me that that sort of thing won’t happen again I will seriously consider quitting the council.”
Detective Inspector Marty Allison said it was a matter for Maribyrnong Council to decide whether police presence would be required at future meetings.
“I think one of the things they may consider is their own security of incidents that may very well attract a certain element, but I don’ see that being a police role at the moment unless we get some specific requests.”
‘Attack on the democratic process’
Insp Allison said the incident was a clear case of “disgraceful conduct”.
“We’ve all experienced the events of the last week, particularly in Paris, and one of the things we hold quite dearly is the democratic process and I see this as an attack on that democratic process.”
Despite initial information that suggested there were four alleged offenders, police believe they have now spoken to all suspects and are not looking for any further offenders.
Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur said the violent acts towards Maribyrnong councillors are very disappointing.
“Public meetings allow residents easy access to democratic council decision making. Councillors, staff and residents should be able to attend these meetings in a safe environment,” he said.
Cr McArthur said any council with safety concerns for its community at public council meetings has a duty of care to consider appropriate security measures are in place.
“Not all ratepayers will agree with council decisions all of the time, however violent or threatening behaviour towards councillors is completely unacceptable.”
