Opinion
22 July, 2026
Opinion. Six attempts. Six refusals. Democracy Depends On Every Councillor Being Heard
Council meetings are governed by the Code of Meeting Practice. The Code is akin to the rules in a cricket match. Both sides know the rules, and the umpire is there to ensure that the rules are fairly applied.
Guest columnist Dr Raymond Khoury, PhD, in this opinion piece, reflects on Wingecarribee Shire Council's July meeting.
Council meetings are governed by the Code of Meeting Practice. The Code is akin to the rules in a cricket match. Both sides know the rules, and the umpire is there to ensure that the rules are fairly applied.
That meetings are effectively run, and skilfully chaired, is one of the Code principles. The Mayor, like the umpire, must ensure that the meetings are run in accord with the rules of the Code, in an open and accountable manner.
But what happens when a Councillor, an elected representative on behalf of thousands of residents, is not allowed to have their voice heard?
This is what happened at the Wingecarribee Shire Council July 2026 meeting. Councillor Sara Moylan attempted to move a dissent in the meeting. Section 15.8 of the Code describes the procedure for moving a dissent.
On six occasions, the Mayor did not allow her to express the dissent. She was not permitted to move her dissent. Where was her voice? The elected representative could not represent her constituents. The meeting was recorded, and anyone can watch it on YouTube.
Democracy is about a fair process. The Code contains the rules that allows the democratic process to function. In essence, the Code safeguards and protects the democratic process.
The Code gives each Councillor procedural rights. The rights are not privileges. They are fundamental protections that preserve democratic integrity in local government’s chamber.
The public expectation is that the Mayor will apply the Code impartially. Like the rules of cricket, the Code’s effectiveness does not rest with what it says, but how it is administered.
When the views of Mayor and Councillor differ, the fundamental question is whether the Code’s procedures are fairly applied. Has the elected representative been given a genuine opportunity to exercise their rights?
We judge leadership by commitment to principle, not by controlling the debate. True leadership occurs when the Mayor ensures that the rights of every Councillor are protected. The differing views are managed through procedures, not hierarchy or authority.
The Code must be understood, respected and applied faithfully, because it protects every resident through the voice of the elected representative.
Interestingly, at the June meeting, Council resolved to strengthen its Social Media Policy. The reason was to protect Councillors from ‘psychosocial harm’, as well as for respectful communication.
However, respect must be consistently applied. It raises the question as to whether the same commitment for respect on social media is also applied in the Council chamber.
One of the strengths of democracy is that it allows for robust debate. But within the debate, there must be fair opportunity for a Councillor’s voice to be heard.
Democracy is paper thin. It only exists if the people allow it. A breach of democracy is an attack on one of society’s pillars.
If the Code is not correctly applied, the consequence extends beyond procedure — it undermines public confidence in the chamber’s democratic process.
Dr Raymond Khoury PhD
The video clip can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CKdYvu4qh/
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The publisher discloses a close personal relationship with a councillor mentioned, though the opinion piece is independent of the publisher.
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