I’m thrilled legislation to protect the health and wellbeing of children born with biological variations of sex characteristics has passed the Victorian Parliament and will become law. The legislation will: Restrict any permanent or hard-to-reverse medical treatments altering the sex characteristics of intersex children or adults unable to give informed consent, in both public and…
Read moreCr Daria Kellander repeatedly voted against funding for community infrastructure
Over the 4 years former Liberal Candidate Daria Kellander has been on the Council, she has repeatedly voted against capital works budgets that included the following community infrastructure: PA Burns Reserve Dog Park and beach – public toilet, entry improvement works, upgrade Dog off leash area, sand retention and beach access. Altona and Seaholme Foreshore…
Read moreDaria Kellander – Liberal for Williamstown or Independent for Altona?
Daria Kellander claims to be an independent candidate for Altona Ward in the Hobsons Bay City Council elections in October 2024, but is she really an independent? Is she being supported by developers? Two years ago Kellander was the Liberal Candidate for Williamstown – as you can see from her campaign images below. She associates…
Read moreCr Peter Hemphill Suspended for Several Misconducts
Arbiter Simon Heath, a former IBAC Deputy Commissioner, was appointed by the Victorian Principal Council Conduct Registrar to hear two complaints lodged by Cr Briffa against Cr Peter Hemphill alleging that he breached 3 of the Councillor Standards of Conduct. The arbitration process resulted in findings of misconduct against Cr Hemphill for breaches of clauses…
Read moreTony Briffa & Council working to resolve housing issues at Techno Park Drive
As a public official it is sometimes difficult to disclose everything being done behind the scenes for the community. There’s a lot of politics involved, rules and laws regarding privacy, confidentiality, planning, Councillor conduct and more. This means that sometimes issues come up where I work behind the scenes to respond and resolve issues for…
Read moreAnnouncement – Not Seeking a 5th Term on Council
I would like to share with you my decision that has been in the making for 12 months. I will not be seeking election to the Hobsons Bay City Council for a fifth term. My time as a Councillor will therefore end on 26 October 2024. This decision comes after considerable reflection on my career,…
Read moreCr Kellander Suspended for Misconduct
In October 2023 I lodged an application to the Principal Councillor Conduct Registrar seeking that Cr Daria Kellander be found to have breached the Councillor Standards of Conduct in relation to several matters including in respect to inappropriate and inaccurate comments she made in an email and Facebook about me. The Arbiter determined Cr Kellander’s conduct…
Read moreEnd of Mayoral Term 2023
It’s been an honour serving as Mayor of the City of Hobsons Bay for another term. As the level of government closest to the community, I love supporting families, community groups, businesses, schools, elderly and disabled people, young people, multicultural and faith communities, indigenous people and LGBTIQA+ people. While it is disappointing local government has…
Read moreWeekly General Rubbish Services Supported
Much has been published and said by councillors and some vocal supporters in recent weeks about the council’s decision to support weekly general rubbish collection. The councillors that put up the motion to rescind the council’s decision to restore weekly general rubbish collection included many unsupported and blatantly incorrect statements in their motion, so the…
Read moreTony Briffa votes AGAINST further Rate Increases During Pandemic
During the Council Meeting held on 20 April 2021 I formally voted against the proposed increase to residential rates, which is consistent with my voting against the rate increase last year. Given the hardship many residents, businesses and community groups are experiencing during the pandemic, I cannot in good conscience support a rate hike. I…
Read moreCommunity Feedback Wanted – Council Waste Services
The Hobsons Bay City Council is undertaking a review into the current waste services system, so as a local Councillor I’m keen to hear from residents about your experiences and perspective. I’ve therefore put together an online survey and encourage as many residents as possible to complete it. The link for the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DKVDZ9C…
Read moreNew Altona Pier Design Announced
Our Pier is a much-love community asset and is owned and managed by Parks Victoria. As part of their renewal program for piers, the Altona Pier is going to be replaced in the coming years. Following community consultation in 2020, Parks Victoria have announced the new pier will be made of concrete (not like the…
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