Hobsons Bay residents will not have the opportunity to ask live, unscripted questions of council, with a proposal to establish a regular public forum meeting for the community lapsed by council.
Councillor Daria Kellander raised the idea as a notice of motion during a council meeting on Tuesday, August 8, which failed to gain the support of her fellow councillors.
Cr Kellander asked council to receive a report detailing how a regular public forum or meeting could be introduced at Hobsons Bay council.
This regular forum would allow community members to make representation and ask live and unscripted questions of the Mayor, councillors and chief executive.
Similar open forums have been implemented at other councils across Melbourne, including Melbourne, Port Phillip and Moonee Valley.
Cr Kellander said the outcome was expected.
“Not one councillor seconded my motion so it lapsed,” she said.
“This is disappointing but I’m not surprised.
“I hope the community continues to make its feelings known to other councillors and perhaps over time their positions will change.”
Cr Kellander said she will continue to advocate for Hobsons Bay residents.
“Democracy and respectful free speech is vital.”
