News
10 November, 2026
Ruddick seeking review of code and a couple of apologies
A Motion calling on Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig to carefully review the Model Code of Meeting Practice so that it can’t be used to suppress legitimate debate will be discussed in NSW Parliament on Wednesday.
A Motion calling on Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig to carefully review the Model Code of Meeting Practice so that it can’t be used to suppress legitimate debate will be discussed in NSW Parliament on Wednesday.
Libertarian MLC John Ruddick gave notice of the Motion today (Tuesday) in response to Wingecarribee Shire Council’s decision to expel Councillor Sara Moylan from its October meeting for allegedly bringing council into disrepute.
As previously reported by The Southern Wire, Deputy Mayor David Kent moved an act of disorder during debate over a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) when Cr Moylan suggested that ratepayers’ funds were being wasted.
Mayor Erin Foley upheld the act of disorder and when Cr Moylan refused to retract or apologise for her comment she was expelled from the chamber for the remainder of the meeting.
Council subsequently issued a statement saying the decision to remove Cr Moylan from the chamber had been made in accordance with section 10.2A of the Local Government Act 1993 and clause 15.15 of Council's Code of Meeting Practice.
“The Code of Meeting Practice is prescribed under the NSW local government framework and establishes the rules for the conduct of council meetings, including provisions for maintaining order and respectful debate,” the statement said.
“Wingecarribee Shire Council remains committed to conducting its meetings in accordance with legislative requirements and ensuring orderly, respectful and lawful proceedings.”
Mr Ruddick’s Motion calls on Parliament to “note with concern” Cr Moylan’s expulsion from the October 21 meeting, that it “applaud” Cr Moylan for advocating on behalf of residents and that it condemn Cr Kent for “weaponising” the Code of Conduct by moving the act of disorder in the first place.
He has called on Parliament to acknowledge comments made by Minister Hoenig during the Budget Estimates on March 6 that the Code of Conduct could be used to “muzzle democratically elected representatives”.
It also asks Parliament to call on the Minister to “carefully review the Meeting Practice and the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act to ensure that mayors and council meeting chairs cannot use powers relating to disorder to suppress legitimate criticism of council expenditure or silent dissenting elected representatives”.
It also asks Parliament to call for Wingecarribee Shire Council to formally apologise to Cr Moylan and for Deputy Mayor David Kent to personally apologise.
--------------
Subscribe to The Southern Wire Newsletter for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us to ensure we remain paywall free.
https://thesouthernwire.presspatron.com
Read More: Southern Highlands