Ratepayers and community members within the Yorke Peninsula Council area are aghast and appalled by Mayor, Darren Braund’s actions against Councilor Adam Meyer in having him suspended from Council, his allowance withdrawn and a fine imposed, after reporting him to the Standards Panel. We believe this issue speaks to the heart of Councilors democratic right to represent their constituency by asking questions, requesting information and seeking transparent accountability from their Council, without fear or favour. The approach taken by the Mayor and perceived use of regulations, as a weapon, sends in our opinion, a chilling message that intimidates, silences and stifles any form of enquiry, accountability and transparency. We can quite imagine community members’ reluctance, in future to volunteer their time and contribute to their community as Council members, fearful of retribution and potential financial implications should they spike the ire of the Mayor.

It would appear ratepayers were unaware of his actions, taken over several months, with a question remaining over when or if councilors were informed. The cost to ratepayers for this action is also unclear. It is noted of the 6 complaints put forward by the Mayor only 2 were substantiated. Not satisfied, the Mayor persisted, strongly advocating for additional and heavier penalties, denying Councilor Meyer’s ward ratepayers the right to full representation at Council meetings.

As a representative for his Ward, Councilor Meyer repeatedly asked questions, sought information and accountability for Council decision making and actions but was frustrated at every turn. From an observational point of view, he was denied his democratic right to information by being stonewalled and denied answers or access to information, at every turn and over an extended period of time.

Please refer to the Yorke Peninsula Media Facebook page for the full story.

This Go Fund Me Page has been created to recognise the heavy burden Councilor Meyer has carried and to cover the costs he has incurred to defend himself.

We are seeking $5,000 as a starting point to cover past and potential future costs.

They include;

Loss of his Council Allowance

Fine dispensed by the LGA Standards Panel

Legal expenses

Any donations made will be strictly administered, distributed and accounted for by the YP Ratepayers Association and used to contribute to the above costs and any future expenses incurred addressing this issue. Funds received in excess of this will contribute to the ongoing running costs of the Association.

We are very aware that the legal costs associated with Councilor Meyer pursuing this matter further, for example, to the Supreme Court, would understandably be prohibitively expensive (approx. $30,000). We would however welcome contact from a potential sponsor or an opportunity for a pro bono legal arrangement we could put to Councilor Meyer for consideration, should he be inclined and then be in the position to pursue this case further.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated as Councilor Meyer has carried a heavy burden and responsibility on his shoulders in representing his community, at significant cost to himself and his family both personally and financially. It’s time for the community to stand up and show their support. Your donation would send a clear message of the community’s outrage and demand that Councilors be free to exercise their democratic right for transparent processes, governance and accountability.

thank you

Yorke Peninsula Ratepayers Association