By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY Councillor Rafal Kaplon has lodged a bullying complaint with the Councillor Conduct Panel as allegations have emerged fellow councillor Sam Aziz referred to him as a “parasitic mosquito”.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan in parliament on 20 August slammed Cr Aziz’s alleged comments, reportedly made in an email sent to councillors and executives.
“Recently Cr Rafal Kaplon, who is from the gay community, was referred to by Sam Aziz as a ‘parasitic mosquito who thrives by spreading blood-borne viruses between otherwise healthy people’,” Mr Donnellan told the parliament.
“They are totally and utterly inappropriate comments from a councillor in the State of Victoria.”
Cr Aziz hit back at Mr Donnellan, saying the Minister for Roads had taken his comments out of context.
“He’s made it look like I’m criticising Cr Kaplon for his sexual orientation – people’s sexual orientation is none of my business – but what is my business is the performance and professionalism of a councillor,” he said.
Cr Aziz said he had recently expressed concerns about “gross misconduct in relation to actions Cr Kaplon has taken” in regards to council matters, but he would not elaborate as it was under investigation.
Casey CEO Mike Tyler said the City of Casey worked to ensure a safe work environment.
The Councillor Code of Conduct governs the agreed standard of councillor behaviour required for the ethical and professional performance of duties under the Local Government Act 1989.
In the event of a dispute under either, there are avenues available for resolution which are conducted confidentially.
Casey mayor Mick Morland said Cr Rafal Kaplon had confirmed that he had not discussed these processes with Luke Donnellan, and that Cr Kaplon considered that the CEO had taken appropriate action.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins on Wednesday announced the State Government would soon introduce a new local government Bill which would clarify expectations of councillors and provide tougher standards against councillors doing the wrong thing.
