Councillor Breaches Code of Conduct in WhatsApp Scandal

0:00On March 25, a stockpour counselor has been ruled to have broken several parts of the local council's code of conduct over messages in a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers. David Sedgwick, now an independent after leaving labor, faced an investigation after 11 complaints about his posts in the group with other labor, members and a former MP. The council's monitoring officer detailed findings in a 60-page report presented on March 24. The standard subcommittee confirmed breaches, including failing to respect others, bullying behavior, sharing confidential info, and damaging the council's reputation. Much of the focus was on comments Sedgwick made during an online council meeting on October 22, 2020. They also noted violations of key public office principles, like leadership and integrity. Sedgwick did not attend a three-hour hearing, but soon a statement expressing regret for falling short on respect and using poor language. He apologized without reservation, admitted he should have challenged others' remarks,

1:01and stressed his commitment to better standards moving forward. In response, the subcommittee ordered code of conduct training within three months, a formal censure at a council meeting and his removal from the Corporate Resources and Governance Groot Knee Committee. This case stems from last year's group scandal that led to labor suspensions and the sacking of MP Andrew Gwynn, who later resigned on health. Paving the way for a green party by election win, the council aims to reinforce accountability among its members.