WHITTLESEA: McLindon responds to ‘sacking’
Aidan McLindon has responded to his effective removal as Mayor and Councillor at the city of Whittlesea:
“Today was a dark day for democracy in Victorian Local Government.
“I have been stood down for six months by the ‘Governor in Council’ (this is a largely unaccountable and disproportionately powerful ‘committee of four’ created under former Premier Dan Andrews which consists of the Governor of Victoria, the Premier of Victoria and two Cabinet Ministers) through the convenient “buffer” of the recently appointed Local Government Minister, Nick Staikos.
“My crime? My political views did not align with the powers that are currently in place.
“If you seek a rates freeze (cutting waste is financially responsible in a cost of living crisis) or call to protect our children from the ever increasing hyper-sexualised agenda that is now targeting under 5 year olds (a huge majority of parents agree – and yes we all love everyone, just please stop exploiting those who struggle with with their sexuality and use them to target all children in the process).
“As a father, I have very serious concerns about the impact this is having on all parents across our state and country.
“Enough is enough. It’s that simple. Yes, what is happening might just be ‘politics’, but it is also unjust, a violation of our human rights and a direct attack on our community and the state of Victorian democracy.
“This is extremely serious. 250,000 Victorians have been treated with contempt. I have been segregated, bullied and intimidated in the workplace for months yet these are the same accusations levelled at me in the public arena. So wrong.
“I received the highest primary vote in the city of all 57 candidates as a result of doorknocking 6,000 homes and advocating 7 key policies that I have continued to champion on behalf of the community since I was sworn in as Mayor.
“I implore those councillors in Whittlesea who have supported me throughout the last 5 months (up to and including yesterday) to be courageous and step forward.
“The toxic culture in the City of Whittlesea Council needs to be addressed immediately. This is a council that has seen a staff turnover of over 900+ in an organisation of 1300 over the past 3.5 years. This is a major red flag.
“I am now the fourth Mayor who has been pushed to the brink in the past 10 years. This takes into account four years where the council was in administration between June 19 2020 – November 19 2024.
“During this time there were 48 “committees/organisations” created in the absence of locally elected representatives. I have simply asked for a list of those organisations and how much ratepayer money has been approved for these organisations over the past 4 years. Legitimate question. In fact, that is the role of a councillor – to ask where the money is going.
“I have done no wrong. I was shut down and am still yet to receive an answer after four weeks. Several of these organisations have now been exposed as Labor Party operatives with Labor Party members and council staff on the committees receiving ratepayers funds. The (potential) corruption is systemic and entrenched – well beyond the City of Whittlesea. Councillors from across the state have been calling me over the past 3 months. The problems are widespread. This is why I have called for a Royal Commission into Local Government in Victoria. It is needed and it has to happen to clean up our state.
“My family has gone through hell and back since June last year because as I dared mention a rates freeze for the struggling ratepayers across Whittlesea in a cost of living crisis and for child friendly public spaces.
“I have been in politics as a State Member of Parliament and a former councillor and National Director for over 30 years and have never witnessed the level of deceit and secrecy in a cloak and dagger operation. I have a B.A. Degree in Politics & Government majoring in Public Policy, a Diploma of Education and a double Masters at University of Melbourne specialising in Student Wellbeing & Leadership and Management. I have also served in the Australian Defence Force as an infantry soldier for 5 years.
“As a teacher, a soldier and a family man I can attest that what is happening in Local Government in Victoria is beyond comprehension.
“This is a serious cause for concern to all Victorians. This is my truth. For every troll who attacks me, the community are in support of what I am saying tenfold but many feel unable to speak up. Mostly due to bullying and intimidation – the same experiences I have had in council.
“I have spoken the truth. We need more of it now more than ever. I did my best.
“God Bless the City of Whittlesea,” Cr McLindon said.
Pictured: Cr McLinden on the steps of State Parliament House on Wednesday afternoon (Apr. 16).