Andrew Thaler has previously run as a candidate for the seat of Eden-Monaro. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
A controversial incoming Snowy Monaro councillor, banned from council offices and council events to protect staff safety, has staged his own swearing-in ceremony.
Nimmitabel’s Andrew Thaler has won a spot on the newly elected council despite a prevailing ban on him entering council premises or approaching council staff.
Mr Thaler has been told he will be required to attend council meetings remotely, via Zoom, but he’s described the move as a “corrupt and unlawful effort” to prevent him carrying out his elected duties.
Meanwhile some community members are already mounting a campaign asking for ministerial intervention, claiming Mr Thaler is unfit for public office.
Jindabyne businessman Rocky Harvey is calling on residents to write to NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig to use his discretionary powers to prevent Mr Thaler from being formally appointed to council.
“It will be completely unworkable to have him on council with council staff being concerned for their health and safety,” Mr Harvey said.
Mr Thaler is no stranger to controversy having claimed to be the family spokesperson for the family of Clare Nowland, the 95-year-old woman who died after allegedly being tasered by a police officer in her aged care home in Cooma, despite the family stating he was not.
Earlier this year he faced Cooma Local Court on assault charges resulting from an altercation at a Nimmitabel cafe in August 2023. These charges were withdrawn and dismissed.
A council spokesperson said employers had a responsibility under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to provide a safe workplace.
“Following a risk assessment – given a long history of negative behaviours towards previous councillors, council staff, and other members of the community – there are potential risks that need to be sensibly anticipated and planned for,” the spokesperson said.
“Mr Thaler will be provided with equipment and support to facilitate these arrangements and ensure he can fulfil his obligations as a councillor, whilst council ensures we are providing a safe workplace for our staff.”
In response, Mr Thaler took matters into his own hands by enlisting the services of a local Justice of the Peace and organising his own swearing-in ceremony outside the council’s administration offices this week.
Under the watchful gaze of security guards and a few gathered supporters, Mr Thaler told Region the move was necessary given the Snowy Monaro Regional Council-imposed ban.
“There is a corrupt and unlawful effort … to prevent me from attending council buildings and meetings, which also prevents me from being sworn in,” Mr Thaler said.
“So, I read the law, and acted in accordance with the wishes of the people of my area who want me as a councillor and on the job from day one … not waiting to be told what to do by the council executive.
“The executive work for us, not the other way around. I lead. I am not easily led.”
According to the NSW Office of Local Government, it is the personal responsibility of all councillors to comply with The Model Code of Conduct which sets the minimum standards of conduct for council officials.
A spokesperson told Region it was a matter for Snowy Monaro Regional Council to take appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of council staff and councillors in accordance with its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
“In doing so, the council is also required to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and ensure that councillors elected at the recent council election are able to exercise their functions in accordance with that act,” they said.
“The Office of Local Government is currently working with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to assist it in satisfying both these requirements.”
Several councillors were contacted for comment but none was forthcoming.
Councillors will be officially sworn in, and the new mayor and deputy mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council will be elected at the next ordinary meeting of the council at 1 pm on Thursday, 10 October, at Cooma Council Chambers.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
