Wyndham councillor Robert Szatkowski has apologised to Cr Mia Shaw after an internal arbiter found comments he made breached two clauses of the Councillor Code of Conduct.
In July, Cr Shaw asked for an internal arbitration process to commence after Cr Szatkowski was interviewed by Geelong media outlet Bay FM.
An article published after the interview contained comments Cr Szatkowski made relating to an amendment Cr Shaw proposed for Wyndham’s 2021-22 budget and plan.
The amendment requested $150,000 to start a masterplan for Soldiers Reserve and College Road, Werribee.
Cr Shaw alleged that Cr Szatkowski’s comments were “misleading, offensive and insulting” after he claimed that she failed to declare a conflict of interest and took part in a vote at a council meeting where the budget was discussed.
The arbitration hearing was held on October 22 via Microsoft Teams.
Arbiter Matthew Evans released his decision in November and it was made public at a council meeting on Tuesday evening.
Mr Evans found Cr Szatkowski breached two clauses in the standards of conduct set out for Wyndham councillors.
Mr Evans’ written decision stated that Cr Szatkowski had not treated Cr Shaw “with dignity, fairness, objectivity, courtesy and respect”.
The decision also stated that some of Cr Szatkowski’s comments “were a disingenuous opportunity at political points scoring” and that a fair-minded, objective person would find them “misleading”.
Mr Evans ordered Cr Szatkowski to apologise to Cr Shaw.
Speaking at the council meeting last week, Cr Shaw said: “This matter was a deliberate attempt to create an impression that I was improper and breached my Local Government Act obligations – I have not.”
Cr Shaw said she believed her brother, Bart Shaw – who is president of the Werribee Districts Football Club – also deserved an apology for being “implicated unnecessarily and unfairly” in the matter.
Cr Szatkowski said he had “erred” in his judgement and apologised for the comments.
“This has been a learning experience for me and I wish to express my sincere regret,” he said.
