The media policy was introduced in September 2017, and included the line: "Staff and councillors should support Council decisions and refrain from using the media to make negative personal comments which are likely to undermine public confidence in the Council or local government generally."

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The Bay Post/Moruya Examiner asked if the policy restricted councillors from publicly disagreeing with council decisions, or voicing concerns about conduct. 

A council spokesperson provided the following response.

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“Councillors are free to voice their opinion about why they do or do not agree with a motion, as long as they’re mindful not to bring council into disrepute,” they said.

“This includes making negative comments of a personal nature, rather than addressing the issue.

“If councillors have concerns about the conduct of staff or other councillors, they bring this to the attention of the Mayor or General Manager and Council’s code of conduct is applied.

“The media policy provides guidance and these are matters that would be dealt with on a case by case basis depending on the circumstances.”