‘Unlawful’: Proposed alcohol ban for Griffith Council faces fiery rebuke

A proposal to make Griffith City Council an alcohol-free zone has been described as “unlawful” and “an act of disorder” at the first meeting of the new term of the local government body on Tuesday (22 October).

Deputy Mayor Anne Napoli moved a motion “to put an end to any alcohol consumption” on site by councillors and their staff.

She argued that this would both save money and ensure that councillors made “sound decisions”.

After a heated debate, it was agreed the council would seek advice on the matter and delay making a final decision until a future meeting.

Cr Shari Blumer sought to have the motion thrown out, describing it as an “act of disorder”.

“In my view, these recommendations are unlawful because they seek to limit or alter the entitlements of council staff; such matters are beyond the jurisdiction of council and are legislated under public service conditions of employment,” she said.

“The actions would be unlawful and open the council up to legal action or sanction.”

Cr Blumer took issue with the assertion in Ms Napoli’s motion that it was essential councillors maintained their “full faculties while making important decisions”.

“These statements imply that due to the consumption of alcohol, councillors and council staff are impaired and are not making sound decisions. These statements are baseless, untrue and disparaging; as such, they bring the council into disrepute,” she said.

A furious Ms Napoli interrupted, calling a point of order while Cr Blumer was speaking.

“I’m being accused of something that is not in any way or shape of what you have just announced Cr Blumer. If it was out of order or unlawful, the general manager would have refused the notice of motion,” she said.

Ms Blumer asked that Mayor Doug Curran request Cr Napoli withdraw her motion and apologise without reservation.

The mayor instead sought advice from general manager Brett Stonestreet, who said the matter was too difficult to deal with in this meeting.

“Words like ‘bringing the council into disrepute’ are not black and white … my recommendation is that the matter be laid on the table and there be interpretation and advice obtained on Cr Blumer’s objections,” he said.

Newly elected councillor and farmer Scott Groat spoke in favour of Cr Napoli’s motion.

“This is a workplace; most workplaces do not have alcohol. We are in charge of the citizens of Griffith’s money … we need to have clear heads; I think if you want to have alcohol on these premises, it should be for celebration reasons only and not bought by the ratepayers,” he said.

Mayor Curran challenged this claim.

“I’m not aware of any incidents of councillors drinking too much alcohol before a meeting … the alcohol that is consumed here is consumed after a meeting, after a workshop. Last financial year, we consumed $913 worth of alcohol in 52 weeks … I don’t believe at less than $20 a week that there’s inebriation … I’m not aware of any incidents where integrity or safety have not been upheld.”

Cr Napoli, who was elected deputy mayor earlier that night, said she took offence and was “hurt” by Councillor Blumer’s criticism of her motion.

“The notice of motion was not pointing the finger at any councillor or staff member … it came about as an expectation from the community,” she said.

There was unanimous agreement at the meeting that council seek advice on Ms Blumer’s objections and make a decision at a future date.