The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate has thrown out a complaint about a Wyndham councillor’s role in a video promoting one of the city’s Holi festivals.
But the inspectorate has given councillor Gautam Gupta a slap on the wrist about the incident.
A resident lodged a complaint with the inspectorate in April, claiming Cr Gupta had misused his position in the video, which features shots outside the mayor’s office and text stating the event had “the support of Wyndham’s mayor … Cr Gupta”.
Cr Gupta is acting mayor when the mayor is on leave, but mayor Adele Hegedich was not on leave at the time.
Following an investigation, the inspectorate concluded that “there was no prima facie breach of section 76D” of the Local Government Act 1989.
“It was determined, however, that Cr Gupta’s conduct may not accord with the primary principle of councillor conduct enshrined in section 76B, nor with the general councillor conduct principles detailed in section 76BA of the act,” the findings read.
“The inspectorate has reminded Cr Gupta of his responsibilities as a councillor and recommended that he familiarise himself with the act and council’s policies in relation to the use of council resources and logo.”
Cr Gupta did not directly respond to the inspectorate’s findings, but said: “It was fantastic to be at Holi 2016 in my capacity as acting mayor, when Cr Adele Hegedich was on vacation, and it was particularly special to do so for an event that is directly related to my portfolio as chair of cultural diversity.”
When Star Weekly spoke with him in April, he said he had nothing to do with editing the video and did not see the finished product until it was released.
The complainant, who does not wish to be named, was disappointed by the outcome and the length of time it took the inspectorate to complete the investigation.
“Personally, this reflects poorly on the government,” the resident said.
