ALBURY councillor Darren Cameron has been the subject of a code of conduct complaint by Dr Pieter Mourik.
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The man spearheading the campaign to have an exclusion zone created around the Englehardt Street abortion clinic confirmed yesterday he had formally complained to the council about Cr Cameron’s actions over the abortion clinic row in recent weeks.
The complaint’s existence came to light last night before Cr David Thurley, on behalf of Dr Mourik, lodged a petition containing 5500 signatures calling on the council to alter its by-laws to enable the creation of the exclusion zone.
Dr Mourik said he had been advised in writing by council general manager Frank Zaknich that the complaint against Cr Cameron had been dealt with internally.
The complaint was lodged about two weeks ago and resolved late last week.
Dr Mourik said he had felt intimidated by Cr Cameron’s presence when he collected signatures outside the entrance to Centrepoint shopping centre late last month.
The councillor was photographed by Dr Mourik speaking to protesters in Englehardt Street in recent times.
“It is their problem, not my problem,” Dr Mourik said.
“They have dealt with it to their satisfaction.
“I was furious with his actions on both occasions and he abused his power, full stop.
“He is a bully and he is not going to bully me.”
Cr Cameron was bound by confidentiality from commenting on the complaint when contacted yesterday.
The code of conduct guidelines allow for a complaint to be examined externally and findings reported back to the council.
That option wasn’t exercised in this instance.
The council said last night the matter was confidential and it wouldn’t be commenting.
It is the first code of conduct complaint involving the current Albury Council.
Dr Mourik and his supporters elected not to attend the council meeting last night to witness the petition tabled.
Mr Zaknich will review the petition and decide at a later date what action, if any, will be taken.
Cr Cameron has been a vocal supporter of the council’s position that the state government is best equipped to resolve the matter.
He claimed Dr Mourik and his supporters were using the issue to mount a Voice For Indi-style campaign in Albury.
