By Tate Papworth
Two Brimbank councillors have been taken to hospital during a councillor conduct panel hearing today.
A councillor, believed to be Georgina Papafotiou was transported from the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre by ambulance this morning.
A short time later Cr Bruce Lancashire was also transported from the building by ambulance.
Ambulance Victoria has confirmed both were taken to hospital after suffering medical conditions, but was unable to provide further comment.
There are unconfirmed reports Cr Lancashire began experiencing chest pain during his submission and Cr Papafotiou suffered anxiety. Both are expected to be released from hospital the evening.
The hearing is the result of complaints made by a fellow councillor about Cr John Hedditch’s conduct during his time as mayor and as a councillor.
Cr Hedditch was elected to represent Harvester ward in 2016 in the first council elections since administrators were appointed to Brimbank. He served as the new council’s first mayor.
Star Weekly has obtained a document that alleges Cr Hedditch failed to declare a conflict of interest and exhibited aggressive and bullying behavior towards councillors and staff.Star Weekly has been told the hearing follows failed internal reconciliation attempts.
In October last year, the complainant lodged an application with the Principal Councillor Conduct Registrar to have the matter dealt with by a panel.
The document states that newly elected mayor Lucinda Congreve called a meeting on November 22 to see if an agreement could be reached to avoid a panel hearing. The meeting ended when she determined “it was obvious that nothing further could be achieved by continuing”.
Cr Hedditch declined to comment.
“I’m all for transparency, but there’s a due process that needs to be followed and adhered to,” he said.
The panel hearing is expected to be heard over several days.
If the panel finds the councillor guilty of serious misconduct, it can apply a range of sanctions, including suspension for up to six months.
The panel may also refer the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on appeal only.
