Statement from the Mayor
Suspension of Samantha Byrne
Ms Samantha Byrne has been suspended from her role as a City of Moonee Valley councillor effective from Tuesday, 10 September 2024 for a period of 14 days.
An external and independent Arbiter, appointed under the Local Government Act 2020, has ruled that Ms Byrne has breached three standards of conduct, treating colleagues with disrespect, breaching governance rules and bringing council into disrepute.
The Arbiter has described Ms Byrne’s behaviour as “relentlessly disruptive” and designed to aggravate colleagues, and where allegations were not upheld, behaviour was described as “less than satisfactory”.
During this time, Ms Byrne will be unable to use council resources, attend meetings or represent Moonee Valley. Additionally, she will be required to provide a verbal apology to her fellow councillors.
This is the first time that a councillor of Moonee Valley has been suspended.
Only 8 individuals have been suspended as councillors in Victoria over this 4-year council term.