Police probe council row

By Melissa Meehan
POLICE are investigating an incident between two Cardinia councillors at a special council meeting last week.
Tempers and emotions ran high as councillors discussed the behaviour of a fellow councillor behind closed doors on Monday 22 March.
It is believed that emotions boiled over after the special meeting, with several councillors involved in a heated discussion.
Cr Collin Ross said he was the victim of an incident with Cr Bill Pearson.
Cr Ed Chatwin said the special meeting was requested by three councillors who moved a motion on a very sensitive topic.
“It (the discussion) was acrimonious in some parts,” Cr Chatwin said.
“One councillor was agitated and acted inappropriately after the meeting when all business had been decided.”
In a statement given to Cardinia Shire Council chief executive Garry McQuillan, Cr Ross said it was with “great shock and dismay” that he had to bring the issue to his attention.
“I was waiting for Cr Chatwin at the journalists’ table when angrily confronted by Cr Pearson,” Cr Ross said.
“I have complained to police most vigorously about this disgusting event and it is now under police investigation.”
Cr Ross said he would not comment further, as it could affect future legal action.
Tensions within the council were still high a week later at the 29 March town planning meeting, with relations between the councillors clearly strained.
Pakenham Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said no charges had been laid but investigations were continuing.
Cr Bill Pearson said he did not believe an incident took place and declined to comment further.