AN elected member has criticised Mount Gambier City Council’s caretaker policy, which restricts the council from making any major decisions ahead of local government elections.
The caretaker policy exists to ensure a fair election period and prevent any incumbent candidates from gaining an advantage.
Cr Steve Perryman claimed the policy was “too restrictive” at council’s monthly meeting, adding elected members “might as well go home”.
“I understand the need for the caretaker period, but I think council’s caretaker policy goes a little too far,” Cr Perryman said.
Citing two items on last Tuesday’s agenda that were deferred to the incoming council, Cr Perryman protested the council’s inaction.
“We might as well go home and not turn up for four months,” he said.
“At our September, October and November meetings, we are in caretaker mode – if there is a large changeover in membership after the election, the council may not do anything in December.
“January is normally a month off – that’s five months we hibernate and might as well take a long holiday.
“I think our caretaker policy is too restrictive and I do not know why we are not making decisions on these two items.”
The two items in question were requests for increased funding from the Limestone Coast Opera and the embattled South East Animal Welfare League.
Both organisations will be forced to wait until at least December for the incoming council to consider requests.
During the caretaker period “major policy” decisions – including spending unbudgeted funds, endorsing new policies and approving community grants – are prohibited.
Council chief executive Mark McShane clarified the council could make decisions during the caretaker period, as long as they are not “designated” (major policy) decisions.
Mayor Andrew Lee suggested council review the policy in the new council term.
