Yarra council has voted to restrict public participation in its meetings, after erecting a wall of desks to separate councillors from ratepayers in the chamber on Tuesday night.
Residents at the meeting are demanding an explanation and apology following the construction of the desk barricade and the vote in favour of changes that will reduce both the number of questions residents can ask, and time they are allowed to speak.
A barrier was installed at a City of Yarra council meeting on August 23.Credit:Adam Promnitz
Yarra Residents Collective founder Adam Promnitz said he was disgusted and insulted to find a public barrier – dubbed the “Great Wall of Yarra” – was established in the chamber at Richmond Town Hall.
“I am utterly appalled at what transpired,” Promnitz said.
“We’re a bit colourful at Yarra but last night was unexpected even for us. They were proper, heavy-duty desks.
“They didn’t do this even in 2017 after far-right protesters invaded a council meeting [over a decision to ban Australia Day].
Promnitz was among a group of residents attending to voice their opposition to new measures that will restrict public participation at council meetings. Individuals will be allowed one question, which must be lodged in writing at least 24 hours before a meeting. Residents will also only be permitted three minutes to speak, cut from five.
The changes passed on Tuesday night with five councillors, including mayor Sophie Wade, voting in support.
“It’s a terrible day for Yarra and the public is worse off for it,” Promnitz said. “It doesn’t benefit residents, only council administration who are seeking efficiency before democracy.”
Socialist councillor Stephen Jolly opposed the public input changes as a shocking affront to residents’ rights, believing they would harm respectful debate and instead send dissenting residents into the streets.
“No one in Yarra thought this is what they were going get with a Greens-run council,” Jolly said.
He was baffled by the desk barricade, describing it as “a really bad look” in the context the new measures, as well as likely to be totally ineffective in the face of a violent individual.
“It’s total incompetence, they didn’t think it through. It has to come down,” Jolly said. “This is supposed to be the most progressive council in Australia.”
Mayor Sophie Wade and council chief executive Sue Wilkinson have been contacted for comment.
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