“A drink or two: yes or no?”

Ratepayers Victoria Association calls on all Councils and Shires to prohibit the consumption of alcohol before and after Council meetings.

It has been the norm for Councillors to enjoy a drink of wine or a few glasses of beer at the Council dinner before and after Council meetings.

Unfortunately, some Councillors seem to think that it does not matter if a few or a lot become the norm.

It has come to the attention of RV that recently, a young Councillor attended a Council meeting and appeared to be a little worse for wear.

Ratepayers Victoria has no problem that some Councillors consume a little or a lot of alcohol in the privacy of their own home, but we totally object to any Councillor or Officer attending a Council meeting under the influence of alcohol.

Councillors have to make decisions that could cost Ratepayers millions of dollars, or perhaps decisions on simple planning applications. What ever, we are entitled to at least a sober decision based on sound evidence and rationally thought out arguments.

Staff and Councillors who attend Council meetings, usually drive home so what are the risk factors if they happen to be subjected to the booze bus and are found to be over the limit. Remember the alcohol could have been supplied by Council in a workplace environment this could then lead to the Council being prosecuted for providing the alcohol at a workplace. (Gosh more cost to the Ratepayers!).  

 Work Safe regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol in or on a workplace. Councillors and Officers are paid to attend Council meetings; therefore it must be considered a workplace. And if Councillors are pursuing “wage parity” then all these things must be considered in context.  

When Councils rigorously canvass and absolve themselves on Risk Management to the Community, then it should look after its own people including Councillors, in terms of Health & Safety.

 We would like to hear your views as this is a very important issue and Councils need to       hear from the Community that certain behaviour is unacceptable.

What are your views, should Councils provide alcohol before or after Council meetings?    

Emails to the President at: Jack_d@iinet.net.au

RATEPAYERS VICTORIA, Inc. A0040924M - PO BOX 1057 Huntingdale, Victoria 3166