Concern over lack of independents

Former local politicians and community figures have raised concern with the lack of an independent voice on Leichhardt Council.

Independent candidate John Stamolis lost his seat on Council last month, ensuring the major parties split the 12-seat chamber four seats apiece between Labor, the Greens and Liberals.

Former Independent Leichhardt Mayor Maire Sheehan said Council was poised to raise political party agendas above community interests now there is no independent on Council.

“Party members tend to put loyalty to the party first and community second,” Ms Sheehan said.

“I recall several occasions [when I was Mayor], party members called me to let me know they had to vote in a particular way because of the party
machine.”

Ms Sheehan said Labor and the Liberals will have to “caucus” and vote as a block on issues.

Mr Stamolis bemoaned the loss of independent ideas on Council.

“Independents bring different ideas to Council, which are focused at the community level and not constrained by political ideology,” he said. “There
are valuable ideas other than those of political parties.”

Ms Sheehan said: “Sometimes local issues are exploited for party political purposes and affect the day-to-day lives of residents, which can be damaging for those residents. Whether this happens on this Council remains to be seen.”

Freshly elected Leichhardt Mayor, Labor’s Darcy Byrne said he would prioritise the community in decision-making.

“The community has elected a Council in which no one political party has total control,” he said. “As Mayor I will take responsibility for ensuring that councillors put aside petty politics and work together to improve services.”

Mr Stamolis said community issues such as the development of White Bay Precinct and 30 minute free parking will be neglected by the major parties.

“30 minute free parking was a big vote winner for the Liberal Party in 2008, yet they did nothing about it,” he said. “The Liberal Party simply ran the same policy again in 2012 and it was an even better vote winner … Let’s see what happens this time.”

Mr Byrne returned fire, arguing his Council would focus strongly on community issues.

“I will fight hard to deliver the fairer parking system and additional childcare centres,” Mr Byrne said. “Balmain Ward residents, in particular, have been crying out [for this] for over the last four years.”

Mr Stamolis, an outspoken community advocate on issues surrounding White Bay, said the major parties will fail to properly address the issue. But Mr Byrne said listening and addressing community concerns over White Bay was just as important to him. In an interview with ABC 702 Radio, Mr Byrne said he would push for greater community consultation and input over White Bay.