Marched out

By Bridget Cook
THE City of Casey’s council meeting erupted into chaos on Tuesday night when a former councillor had to be forcibly removed from the chamber by police.
While discussing a motion to have councillor Kevin Bradford investigated over alleged misconduct, Councillor Bob Halsall dropped a profanity, to the disgust of local residents in the chamber.
Former councillor Paul Richardson continued to speak from the public gallery as the council meeting went on, resulting in him being asked by Mayor Sam Aziz to leave.
After refusing, Cr Aziz stopped the meeting and called the police.
Attempts by the police to peacefully remove Mr Richardson from the chamber were fruitless and they had to forcibly remove him, knocking over chairs in the process.
Once council resumed, another resident was also escorted out by police after he continued to interrupt.
Mr Richardson said he had done nothing wrong and just put his hand up to say that the profanity used was inappropriate.
Cr Aziz said the occurrences of the council meeting were unfortunate, but happened because of agitators in the public gallery.
“I can confirm Cr Bob Halsall used a profanity during the debate on a motion to initiate an investigation into a number of issues of alleged inappropriate conduct by Cr Kevin Bradford,” he said.
“One of these allegations concerned the previous use of this word by Cr Bradford. Cr Halsall apologised both before and afterwards to councillors and the public gallery but felt that the offensiveness of the word which he alleged was spoken by Cr Bradford to his wife, needed to be said so that people understood the offence caused to his wife and himself.
“I am proud of the City of Casey and what council has achieved.
“We now need to get on with the business of serving our community as elected representatives.”
In an emotional state last night, Councillor Simon Curtis said it was an extremely sad night for the City of Casey.
“When we stood at the last election, it was all about restoring integrity to this council.
“Tonight the City of Casey has lost all integrity.”
Councillor Wayne Smith, the longest-serving councillor, said he was sickened by what had gone on.
“I’ve seen some shocking things on this council, and for him (Mr Richardson) to say it was disgraceful, is the pot calling the kettle black,” he said.