UPDATE: Adam Pulford, a Greens councillor in Brunswick East, has been suspended for two weeks following a finding of misconduct by an independent arbiter. The suspension, which begins next Thursday, marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions within the Merri-bek Council.
The decision stems from a complaint filed by fellow councillor Oscar Yildiz, who alleged that Pulford breached multiple sections of the councillors’ code of conduct during an April meeting. This incident occurred while discussing two rainbow road crossings intended to symbolize LGBTQIA+ pride, at a projected cost of $45,000. Yildiz was the only councillor to object to the crossings, arguing the funds could be better allocated to services for the LGBTQIA+ community.
In his complaint, Yildiz claimed Pulford accused him of “duplicitousness” for opposing the crossings, despite having signed a pledge to support LGBTQIA+ rights during the 2024 election campaign. Yildiz expressed disappointment, stating, “If Adam wants to vote differently from me, that’s fine, but express your view respectfully.”
The arbiter, Matthew Evans, concluded that Pulford’s remarks during the debate were inflammatory and failed to adhere to the standards of conduct expected of councillors. Evans stated, “In this case, ‘robust public debate’ is not a defence against breaches of this standard of conduct.”
The fallout from Pulford’s suspension has ignited calls for a review of the council’s code of conduct, with Greens representatives arguing that the current enforcement process is stifling political communication and lacks transparency. Brunswick Greens MP Tim Read remarked, “When a gay councillor raises concerns about a councillor’s broken promise to the LGBTQIA+ community and he is the one suspended, something is wrong with the council complaints system.”
Yildiz noted that he had attempted to resolve the issue amicably before resorting to arbitration, expressing regret that the situation escalated to this level. “If he had just apologised, we would not be here and we would have moved on by now,” he said.
Pulford’s suspension follows a previous incident earlier this year, when Yildiz himself was suspended for a month after a complaint regarding his conduct. This ongoing rivalry highlights the deep divisions within the council, particularly between Greens councillors and Yildiz.
As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see if the Minister for Local Government will address the calls for reform in the code of conduct enforcement. The implications of Pulford’s suspension resonate beyond the council chambers, raising critical questions about political accountability and the processes governing local governance.
This story is unfolding rapidly, and further updates are anticipated as the council convenes for its final meeting of the year on Wednesday.
