Statement from the Mayor: Cr Steven Hughes pending arbitration application

Published on 03 March 2021

At its Council Meeting on Monday 1 March, Councillors resolved to bring an application for an internal Arbitration process under Section 143 of the Local Government Act 2020, alleging multiple acts of misconduct on the part of Councillor Steven Hughes in relation to his Facebook posts on 18 February 2021, and 1 March 2021.

The new Council is focused on working together, getting on with the job and supporting our community to recover from the extreme impacts of COVID-19. We simply do not have time for these unnecessary distractions, which is why this process has been initiated.

For the record, our rules and processes are on par with other Victorian councils and align with relevant legislation. Furthermore, Frankston City Council has an extremely healthy fiscal situation, which has allowed us to commit to the delivery of an extensive Capital Works Program worth in excess of $60 million, and also enabled us to provide a $7.038 million COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package without the need to discontinue the essential services our community needs and expects.

In the lead up to the Council election, residents sent a strong message that they are sick of infighting and needless acrimony. I want our community to know that we heard you loud and clear.

With the application for an internal Arbitration process now pending, it is not appropriate for Council to comment further at this time. We will endeavour to provide an update to our community when appropriate in the future.