TWO councillors are taking unpaid leave from Macedon Ranges Shire Council as they contest the state election seat of Macedon.
Cr Kate Kendall and Cr Dominic Bonanno both attended their final council meeting last week, but the meeting became tense towards the end.
Cr Kendall spoke first about her leave motion, saying she was dedicated to her role as a councillor.
“I take the role of councillor very seriously and I’ve never taken leave before. Since being elected, I’ve been extremely dedicated to this role,” she said.
“During the summer, when council wasn’t sitting, we had the Harcourt bushfires. It was pretty intense, and I was there for the community. It’s been pretty much non-stop ever since.”
Cr Bonanno’s leave motion was then opposed. Cr Young raised concerns about it, surprising the rest of council.
Cr Young sought to clarify the end date of Cr Bonanno’s leave if the election result was not declared straight away.
In his right of reply, Cr Bonanno said: “After November 28, I won’t be a candidate any longer, so I’m happy to come back on Monday, November 30.”
Under Macedon Ranges’ meeting rules, Cr Bonanno could respond to Cr Young’s concerns during his right of reply. He appeared to be frustrated after not being able to speak to the motion itself.
Both leave motions were approved unanimously, including with Cr Young’s vote.
The Review contacted Cr Bonanno to give him the opportunity to speak further about his leave motion. He said:
“The decision to stand for state parliament is not one I have made lightly. It is a significant commitment, not only for me but for my family, and one we have discussed and considered carefully together.
“I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to continue receiving a councillor allowance while devoting a significant amount of my time and attention to campaigning for state parliament. Residents are entitled to expect that public office, and the public money attached to it, are treated with respect.”
Cr Bonanno also questioned why Cr Young’s concerns were raised during debate rather than as a point of clarification.
He said he was “disappointed with the disrespectful behaviour shown” during the council meeting.
The Review contacted Cr Young, Cr Kendall and Macedon Ranges Shire Council for comment, but declined to respond.
At least 19 councillors across Victoria have been announced or preselected to contest the state election, with more candidates expected to be confirmed.
Of those, the Review could confirm that five councillors will take leave. Others have stepped down as mayor while remaining councillors, or are not taking leave.
