City of Moonee Valley Council has today suspended a councillor from its ranks over code of conduct breaches.
In a statement issued this evening, the Council said Councillor Samantha Byrne – who has also previously served as Mayor in 2019/20 and 2021/22 – had been suspended from her role effective today for a period of 14 days.
“An external and independent Arbiter, appointed under the Local Government Act 2020, has ruled that Ms Byrne has breached three of four standards of conduct, treating colleagues with respect, breaching governance rules and bringing council into disrepute,” the Council said.
The Council says the Arbiter described Ms Byrne’s behaviour as “relentlessly disruptive” and designed to aggravate colleagues, and where allegations were not upheld, her behaviour was described as “less than satisfactory”.
During the period of suspension, Councillor Byrne will be unable to use council resources, attend meetings or represent Moonee Valley, the Council said.
Additionally, she will be required to provide a verbal apology to her fellow councillors.
“Moonee Valley thanks arbiter Louise Martin for her independent ruling on the behaviour of the individual,” said Mayor, Pierce Tyson.
“As Mayor for the last two years, I have worked hard to improve councillor culture, transparency and standards at Moonee Valley City Council.
“There is no place for aggressive and oppositional politics at Moonee Valley.
“I encourage all candidates putting themselves forward for municipal elections consider that Council is best when working toward building consensus.”
It is the first time a councillor of City of Moonee Valley has been suspended.
