This past week, we covered Kiama Council’s censure of Councilor Karen Renkema-Lang because of an interview she gave on 21 June 2023 regarding the reclassification of land that Blue Haven Bonaira occupies, to enable its sale. 

As covered, Council engaged an independent investigator who was engaged to assess Councilor Renkema-Lang’s behavior with respect to Council’s Code of Conduct.

Their report underpinned Council’s motion to censure Councilor Renkema-Lang through a breach of section 440G of the Local Government Act 1993 through the following clauses in the Code:

• Clause 3.1 conducting herself in a manner likely to bring other council officials into disrepute;
• Clause 3.1c conducting herself in a manner that was improper or unethical and
• Clause 31.1 Breaching the policy code of conduct

The Bugle also gave Councilor Renkema-Lang the right of reply to explain her view and also what she thought of the censure motion. 

Since then, The Bugle has been inundated with feedback and concerns from members of the community regarding the censure motion and the specifics around it.

Members of the community have wide-ranging views, though on the whole most agree – the censure was not an appropriate use of Council’s resources, and not an appropriate outcome.

Here are some of excerpts of what the community has said:

“I think our community should be outraged to learn that Council is using its code of conduct policy to silence councillors who criticise Council policies and decisions in the media. Kiama Council’s censuring of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang for expressing a differing viewpoint and bravely representing her constituency is both shocking and anti-democratic. This intolerance to criticism aligns with Councils move to also silence the precinct committees that have represented community views for more than 30 years. One must ask why free and open exchange of ideas and respect for community views is being curtailed by this increasingly authoritarian Council?”

“I am appalled by Councils decision to censure Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang based on her comments during the 10 minute radio interview attached to todays (sic) article by Brendon Foye. I am sure the technicality's (sic) of the censure would be supported by some bureaucratic mumbo jumbo but would question why any paid member of councils staff would spend their time and our money when real world issues needing solutions are buried on their desks. Then, again isn't that why Council is in the state that it is in. All show! To compare Karen's very measured and thoughtful comments against some that I, and others I speak to privately hold about council would, by these standards, see us all held in detention awaiting extradition to another council area.”

Whilst there is some spicy language, being journalists, we fiercely defend the right to free speech and to share the views of the community. 

After all, our community is at its best when it is debating big issues like rate payer spending, cost of living, housing affordability and free speech.

But we all agree that all discussions can be undertaken passionately, but also respectfully.

As we have always said, The Bugle is for the community. We are here to give you a platform and to hear what you have to say.