Council's Big Brother Rules Spark Backlash

0:00It's March 24th. This is Sydney News today, AI-powered stories from your city. A Western Suburbs Council in Australia is facing a major backlash over proposed media and secrecy rules that critics call Big Brother Style Control. Hobson's Bay Council wants the mayor to be the only main spokesperson requiring other counselors to get approval before talking to the media. A separate policy would keep agendas, briefings, and officer papers hidden from the public as internal documents. These rules popped up in the council agenda just five days ago amid state government oversight through appointed monitors. Meanwhile, nearby Kingston City Council recently passed similar changes, giving its chief executive more power to block motions over risks like legal. Or, reputational issues. Both councils share the same lead monitor, John Tanner. Deputy Mayor Lisa Bentley has rallied residents to pack a Tuesday evening meeting, claiming the state is strong arming counselors and treating them, like suspects without explanation.

1:02Local leaders like Councillor Michael Disbury worry it will gag debate on key issues such as road closures and even risk their pay. Community advocates echo that, saying silence counselors can't represent voters on hot topics like developments in crime. The monitors arrive at Hobson's Bay in June last year, after the former chief executive resigned over workplace behavior complaints. A second monitor joined in January with the council paying all costs. Officials defend the policies, saying they protect frank internal talks and still allow personal views, though approval is needed. Residents can submit questions by Monday to speak at Tuesday's meeting where the rules face a vote, intentions are running high as the community. Pushes back.