Moreton Bay Councillors Cohesion of Bullies?

In the midst of the upcoming Moreton Bay Council elections, concerns have been raised regarding the campaign tactics of unopposed councillors who are actively supporting their opposed counterparts. This issue has sparked debates over the ethical boundaries of such actions within the political sphere.

June McCrorie, a concerned citizen, has shed light on the matter, questioning the ethical implications of unopposed councillors actively campaigning for their opposed colleagues. While not illegal, McCrorie raises the important question of whether such actions are morally justifiable, especially when considering the notion of independence and fairness in elections.

“I know it is not illegal but is it ethical?” Ms McCrorie wrote to JtA NEWS.

“Especially when they are touting, they are running as independents while patting themselves on the back for being quote: ‘an incredibly cohesive Council’.”

The crux of the issue lies in the perceived cohesion among the councillors, which McCrorie describes as “dangerously cohesive” and akin to “schoolyard bullies running as a pack.” The concern is amplified by remarks made by Yvonne Barlow during a council meeting on January 25, 2024, where she lauded the council’s cohesion while simultaneously promoting the independent status of its members.

McCrorie’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment within the community regarding the integrity of the electoral process and the representation of diverse viewpoints within the council. The notion that unopposed councillors may wield undue influence over the electoral outcomes of their opposed counterparts raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the democratic process.

In response to these concerns, the Moreton Bay Council has stated that while they encourage collaboration among councillors, they respect the autonomy of each individual to make their own campaign decisions. However, calls for greater transparency and accountability in campaign practices have continued to resonate among residents.

As the election date draws nearer, the debate surrounding the ethical conduct of unopposed councillors and their role in supporting opposed candidates is expected to intensify. It remains to be seen how this issue will impact voter perceptions and the outcome of the Moreton Bay Council elections.