Community
2 December, 2023
New deputy their ‘own’
UNITY Team candidate and division 1 councillor Brett Moller has been elected deputy mayor with a 5-4 vote against independent councillor Cathy Zeiger at council’s special meeting on Wednesday.
But not without one independent councillor labelling the vote “a travesty against democracy”.
Favoured to win the vote against underdog Cr Zeiger (division 3), Cr Moller took the win with five votes by Unity Team members Mayor Terry James, himself, and councillors Rhonda Coghlan (div. 8), Kristy Vallely (div. 6), and Max O’Halloran (div. 7).
Cr Moller welcomed the results, saying beyond politics he had the experience it took to exercise the role at the highest level.
“I’m very pleased with the outcome. I think I bring a lot of experience to the role in terms of board representation, directorships and seven years in council as well as being a qualified lawyer with over 30 years of experience,” he said.
“I’m looking to support Mayor James and bring stability, confidence and certainty for our residents leading into the 2024 local government elections.”
Cr Zeiger, who’s currently in New Zealand, attended the meeting via phone call and presented her nomination as an opportunity to bring a new perspective to the role.
“I believe that having an independent councillor as deputy mayor provides the opportunity for a different perspective in the mix,” she said.
“In my case after nearly nine years of experience serving as a local government councillor in division 3, I offer a solid grassroots community perspective which is vital in good decision making for our community.”
Councillors Rob Pyne (div. 2), Amy Eden (div. 5), and Brett Olds (div. 9) voted for Cr Zeiger.
Independent Cr Pyne said “this is a travesty against democracy, once again Unity picking one of their own”.
But Cr Moller said no politics were involved.
“Residents of Cairns are sick and tired of party politics. This was about being a responsible councillor and appointing the right person to the position of deputy mayor for the right reason,” he said.
“We saw today and last week that independents form alliances too, and they vote as a block as well, so let’s not be duplicitous and let’s do the right thing.”
Cr James, who nominated Cr Moller for the role, said he was pleased with the decision and debunked Cr Pyne’s claims. “I’m very pleased with the outcome, I know of Brett’s capacity as a councillor,” he said.
“This is a democracy we live in. We play the process as per the Local Government Act, you can’t go outside it and that’s what some of the other councillors are saying that we do. We cannot do that, we voted for the person and I’m very pleased with the outcome and the qualifications Cr Moller brings to the table.”
