Mornington Peninsula Shire has quietly removed and republished a recent post about new Council meeting attendance rules, following community criticism and questions about transparency.
The original post, published on Wednesday 12 June, announced that all attendees must now register online before attending public Council meetings. It included a requirement to show photo ID at the door — a move that sparked backlash across community forums. The post also had comments disabled, which further fuelled concern among residents who felt silenced.
Within hours of STPL News questioning the policy and its origins, the original post was taken down and a revised version was published the following day. The updated post features softened language but maintains the requirement for prior registration.
Mayor Anthony Marsh has denied being involved in drafting or approving either version of the post. In a comment addressed to STPL News, Marsh said:
“No, I didn’t [approve the original post]. I raised it after it was brought to my attention, as I believe the ID requirement is excessive. It was reposted today, again without my knowledge.”
The next public Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 17 June, and further community protests are expected in response to recent policy changes and ongoing dissatisfaction with Council decisions.
The new registration policy remains in place.
Then who was responsible for this decision. Who made it? This should have been a decision by the council. They can, however, put up a motion to rescind it. hahahaha
Councilors need to take control from the public servants that work there. We voted for them not the administration staff. They are being railroaded.