Tuesday 21 February 2012

Rob Pyne discusses Bonneau's defamation lawsuit

Last week in an unprecedented move, long-serving Cairns Regional Councillor Sno Bonneau filed a $300,000 defamation case against fellow councillor, Rob Pyne, in retaliation for a complaint made against him, that became a Crime and Misconduct investigation.

The complaint focused on numerous donations that Bonneau received and then did not declare conflicts when voting. Pyne says the Local Government Act is very clear about declaring conflicts of interests. "Is it allowable for a Councilor to receive a donation from a business or developer and then vote on a matter affecting that donor," he asks.

"Clearly I won't be discouraged, intimidated or bullied. Whatever the cost," Rob Pyne says.

Yesterday, on Radio 4CA Councillor Pyne discussed the latest events with Mike 'Locco' O'Loughlin.


Locco
ROB, I WANT TO TALK TO YOU CONCERNING THE ARTICLE ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE CAIRNS POST LAST WEEK. YOU WERE SAYING TO ME OFF AIR THAT YOU WERE DISAPOINTED WITH THE COVERAGE IN THE MEDIA.

I AM OF COURSE, TALKING ABOUT THE POSSIBLE DEFAMATION ACTION AGAINST YOU. OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT WE CAN TALK ABOUT, BUT ARE YOU HAPPY TO SPEAK ABOUT THAT?

Rob
I am happy to talk about it. Coverage of this last week seemed to focus on the personal aspects of this matter, but far more important, is the crucial question relating to campaign donations and political patronage.

There is a specific matter that will be ruled on, so as long as we stick to that I don’t think there is a problem.

Loco
HOW DID THIS ALL COME ABOUT?

Rob
When concerns regarding a sitting Councillor came to me from a number of residents over 12 months ago, I reported the allegations to the CEO of Cairns Regional Council, from there they went to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and currently await determination by a Regional Conduct Review Panel.

Loco
IT IS INTERESTING TO HEAR YOU SAY THAT, AS THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOCUSED ON THE PERSONALITIES INVOLVED, BUT THERE IS A SUBSTANTIVE ISSUE TO BE INVOLVED ISN’T THERE?

Rob
Yes, what has to be determined is, “is it allowable for a Councilor to receive a donation from a business or developer and then vote on a matter affecting that donor? Also, is it allowable for a Councillor to do this at a meeting without disclosing to the meeting any perceived conflict of interest.” Now clearly I don’t think it is appropriate. I hope it is not ruled as allowable conduct, as it is not consistent with my expectations or I believe, those of the wider community.

Loco
WHO WILL MAKE THIS DECISION?

Rob
Well, the information I provided await determination by a Regional Conduct Review Panel. The first time such a panel has been convened to resolve this issue as far as I am aware. They will make their ruling within weeks.

Loco
WHAT IF THEY DETERMINE THAT WHAT HAS BEEN DONE DOES NOT BREACH THE ACT OR REGULATIONS?

Rob
I am hopeful that will not be the case, but if it is ruled appropriate behaviour, the individual in question may sue for defamation and I may be up for a bucket load in cash that don’t have, but that certainly won’t make it right!

Loco
THAT WOULD CERTAINLY MAKE ANYONE SERIOUSLY THINK TWICE BEFORE RAISING SUCH ALLEGATIONS IN THE FUTURE!

Rob
When I stood for Council, I promised to act as a watchdog and stand up for transparency and accountability. This will not change that one bit!

This will only sharpen my focus on those in senior positions, whether appointed or elected. They have a responsibility to the rest of us, and when there is any suggestion that the trust the public have placed in them has been breached, I will make sure that is investigated.

I will continue to do this on Council, whoever is elected on April 28th. Attempts at intimidation via legal threats or other means are sure to fail. For me, keeping people in power honest is an important part of what I am about.

Loco
IT CERTAINLY IS ALL HAPPENING IN LOCAL POLITICS AT THE MOMENT.

YOU CLEARLY WILL NOT BE TAKING A BACKWARD STEP, SO WE AWAIT THE OUTCOME WITH INTEREST. STAY WELL AND WE WILL TALK AGAIN SOON.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Why was Locco shouting the whole time? That seems quite rude.

Steve Brech said...

Good on ya Rob, I'm happy that we have you in Council. Speaking out like this is and passing on information as you've described is rare indeed. A gentleman with honesty and integrity, well done.
Steve Brech