Gagging all the geese

Here's what some people think of Lipshutz's attempt to gag free speech at Glen Eira Clowncil. The following citations are taken directly from submissions published by clowncil -

1. "As a community member of Glen Eira I disagree completely with the proposed amendment to not allow comments made in the briefings to be brought up in the meetings. As community members we're entitled to know what is being discussed and transparency should be encouraged". (R. Flaherty).

2. " I submit that the proposed amendment is unnecessary, not in the interests of the community, contrary to the principle of free speech, and ambigious in its wording.
...it is not in the interests of the community to inhibit public reporting and discussion of matters which may come before council. I am not aware that there have been any requests from the community for such a clause." (A. Bunn)

3. Glen Eira Council's community plan calls for governance that is democratic, open, and responsible and benefits everybody equally.
A code of conduct for the community's elected representatives that is formulated by the councillors, for the benefit of councillors, is undemocratic in the extreme.' (S. Nolle).

The above are mere 'highlights' of the submissions and readers are directed to read them all in full by accessing clowncil's website. Also of note is that there was only ONE submission which favoured the amendment and this came from an ex-councillor!

Once this 'gag' is voted in (as I am sure it will be given this clowncil's past record of listening and adopting the views presented in submissions) the geese (ie councillors) will really be squeaking with identical 'honks'. Their 'geesehood' will be complete. The ugle ducklings will have been transformed into obedient and pliable gooses by their lords and masters. But, never mind, since this merely represents one more plank of policy which must be dismantled by an increasingly aware and fed-up community! It's time folks for a total clean-out!

Clowncil and censorship

We've just received the following which has also been sent as a 'letter to the editor'. This is quoted in full -

"I have previously wrriten about the overt practice of censorship by Glen Eira Council. This week's council meeting (Sept. 2nd) provides further evidence of this. Submissions to the domestic animal management plan were denied publication and I was told I could not address council on this issue since this would infringe 'privacy'. Instead the community was provided with a bastardised summary of individuals' submissions which often neglected to highlight the major criticisms, or worse, many of the comments were taken out of context. Now we have the following scenario: submissions on the sale of land in Station St. Mckinnon are published and submitters allowed to speak. Also published in full are submissions on the proposed amendment to the councillor code of conduct as well as the environmental policy. The question remains: why were submissions and speakers denied their rights when it came to animal management and yet the above are 'permitted' by council? The only conclusion that any reasonable person could draw from these events is that censorship is alive and well in the city of Glen Eira!"

Moving from nook!

Yes folks, we're back. Bigger, brighter, and brasher. After weeks and weeks of inactivity on good old Nook, we've had enough and decided to move. No more waiting for moderators to okay our content; no more waiting for posts and comments to go up; no more hassles. We can write what we think, and you can post what you think. So unimpeded, we will continue to fight for 'truth, justice and the Australian way'. We will continue to highlight the issues which concern our doggy members, as well as the issues which affect all glen eira residents. This clowncil will continue to be 'audited' and assessed by watchdog and others.

Elections are looming and as we've stated before, the time is ripe for change.

Stay tuned for more news and please comment whenever you like.