Mark Dal Bon when he spoke to Region in August. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith City Council is set to debate a proposed new dress code and other meeting rules, putting one particular councillor’s preference for flannelette shirts in the spotlight.
On Tuesday night (9 December), the council will vote on the adoption of a new code of meeting practice for local councils.
Clause 5.2 of the NSW Government-mandated code states the council may determine the standards of dress for councillors when attending meetings. Griffith Council staff have added the proposed provision: “The standard of dress for councillors is business casual. Council blazers are provided for councillors to wear at council meetings”.
Maverick councillor Mark Dal Bon has been wearing checkered flannelette shirts to meetings. He’d previously told Region that he did so because he campaigned in flannel and wanted to show the public that he is the same person he was before the election. He declined to comment on this matter before the meeting but made a submission on the council motion which was included on the agenda papers.
“I think that as long as a councillor is dressed clean and neat and tidy that is all that should be imposed on them for dress regulation,” his submission states.
Griffith resident Graeme Bell also provided his view.
“If a councillor turned up in a clean flannelette shirt and jeans, the code as drafted could allow the council to sanction or exclude them for not being ‘business casual’. Unless there’s evidence that this attire disrupted proceedings or disrespected the office, the rule’s enforcement could be unreasonable, discriminatory, or politically motivated,” he wrote.
Frances Bloomfield expressed similar sentiment: “I am firmly opposed to clause 5.2. Our councillors represent a wide variety of people and this clause seeks to silence anyone whose clothing deems them unworthy. It’s the rich tapestry of people that make Griffith unique; this clause does a disservice to those people.”
Mark Dal Bon wears a collared shirt for special occasions. Photo: Griffith City Council.
Councillors will be able to vote on whether to accept, amend or reject this proposed clause on Tuesday.
Another controversial new meeting code clause (5.19) seeks to limit councillors’ ability to attend meetings remotely via an audio-visual link.
An anonymous submission opposed this clause.
“Clause 5.19 unfairly restricts councillors from attending meetings by audio-visual link unless they are unwell or have caring responsibilities,” the submission states.
“This rule is impractical and outdated, especially for rural and regional councils where travel for council business is common. It risks disrupting meetings, preventing quorums, and discouraging people from serving on council.”
However, this particular clause has been mandated by the NSW Government and cannot be changed by Griffith councillors.
Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout has described the new meeting code as city-centric. Wagga Councillor Tim Koschel said it was a reason for him recently announcing his resignation from local government.
