Cr Chamonix Terblanche's approved leave of absence

The City of Cockburn's response to PerthNow Cockburn on 16 & 20 December about Cr Chamonix Terblanche's approved leave of absence

Question: Cr Chamonix Terblanche said she could not speak to the media about her approved leave as Mayor Logan Howlett was the spokesperson for the City. Is this a correct interpretation?
Answer: The Mayor is the only Elected Member who can speak on behalf of the City - Local Government Act 1995, s 2.8 (d), speaks on behalf of the local government.
 
CONTEXT – The Mayor is the only Elected Member who can speak to the decision made by Council regarding the leave of absence, however Cr Terblanche can speak with the media about her personal decision.
 
Question: Would the Mayor and/or the City grant her permission to explain her leave?
Answer: The City or the Mayor are not required to grant permission for Cr Terblanche to explain her leave; this is a decision for Cr Terblanche.
 
Question: Would the City or Mayor like to respond to Mr Carey’s comments?
Answer: The City has no response. Mayor Logan Howlett’s response is as follows: The Council gives due consideration to all requests for a ‘leave of absence’ request and takes into account the explanation provided by the Elected Member before debating/voting on the matter.

Question: Has Cr Terblanche has given an undertaking that she will return after the leave of absence period?
Answer: The request for the leave of absence commences 9 February 2022 with an end date of the 18 July 2022. All other queries will need to be directed to the Councillor.