Key Takeaways
- A complaint has been filed by Dunedin councillor Benedict Ong against fellow councillor John Chambers for allegedly making discriminatory comments against the South Asian community in Dunedin.
- The complaint is related to comments made at a closed workshop on economic development and a private interaction afterwards.
- The Dunedin City Council chief executive, Sandy Graham, is following the procedure set out in the code of conduct and has communicated separately with the two councillors.
- An investigator will be appointed in the new year to look into the matter, and the council has asked that the investigation not be discussed in public or in the media until it is completed.
Introduction to the Complaint
A recent development in the Dunedin City Council has led to a complaint being filed by new councillor Benedict Ong against fellow new councillor John Chambers. The complaint alleges that Cr Chambers made discriminatory comments against the South Asian community in Dunedin. According to Cr Ong, these comments were made at a closed workshop about economic development on December 12, as well as in a private interaction afterwards. Cr Chambers has expressed surprise at the developments, stating that he is happy to comply with whatever process the council sets up to address the complaint.
The Code of Conduct Procedure
The Dunedin City Council chief executive, Sandy Graham, has stated that she is required to follow a procedure set out in the code of conduct. This procedure involves the appointment of an investigator, which will not happen until the new year due to the proximity to Christmas. In the meantime, Ms Graham has communicated separately with the two councillors and has asked Cr Ong not to contact other elected members about the matter until the code of conduct process has been completed. This is to ensure that the investigation is not compromised. The investigator will make a preliminary assessment, and the matter should not be litigated in public or in the media until the process is completed.
The Comments in Question
Cr Ong has objected to the comments made by Cr Chambers, describing them as divisive and wrong. In an email to Ms Graham, Cr Ong described Dunedin as a city of heritage, inclusivity, kindness, and community. He stated that his ability to return to the city after a lifetime away and serve as a councillor is proof of this. Cr Ong looked to be helpful in correcting the wrong remarks made by Cr Chambers and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive and inclusive community. The comments made by Cr Chambers have not been specified, but Cr Ong’s response suggests that they were significant and potentially harmful to the South Asian community in Dunedin.
The Investigation Process
The investigation process is expected to begin in the new year, with the appointment of an investigator. The investigator will make a preliminary assessment of the complaint and determine the next steps. In the meantime, the council has asked that the matter not be discussed in public or in the media. This is to ensure that the investigation is fair and unbiased, and that the parties involved are not prejudiced by public commentary. Cr Ong has been asked not to contact other elected members about the matter, and the council will provide updates on the progress of the investigation as necessary.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The complaint filed by Cr Ong against Cr Chambers is a serious matter that requires careful consideration and investigation. The Dunedin City Council is following the procedure set out in the code of conduct, and an investigator will be appointed in the new year to look into the matter. The council has asked that the investigation not be discussed in public or in the media until it is completed, to ensure that the process is fair and unbiased. The outcome of the investigation will depend on the findings of the investigator and the subsequent actions taken by the council. In the meantime, the community in Dunedin will be watching the development of this matter with interest, and hoping that the council will take all necessary steps to maintain a positive and inclusive community.