City muzzles domestic violence debate

Bunbury City Council leaders blocked debate on a bid for the council to form and lead a committee tasked with coordinating resources to fight domestic violence.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan and chief executive officer Andrew Brien refused to allow Cr Michelle Steck to place her motion on the domestic violence action committee on the agenda.

They ruled it breached the standing orders because it was not "good governance" to discuss it.

Cr Steck has advocated against domestic violence since her husband Kevin East murdered her daughter Kelly in 1993.

Cr Steck said she wanted the proposal discussed at the council following the release of the Federal Government's report into domestic violence to coincide with White Ribbon Day last Wednesday.

She accepted Mr Brennan's ruling but said she was extremely disappointed.

She had envisaged the committee being similar to the Melbourne City Council's Family and Children's Advisory Committee.

"At some point there needs to be leadership from the council to work with all of the service providers to help and assist those that are in need," Cr Steck said.

"The whole point of the committee is to look at communication strategies and to say that there is no such thing as accepting it - everyone needs to stand up in a community and say no.

"The only way you can help any person or victim is to be a support person so they have someone to turn to - they have a place and a voice to be heard."

Mr Brennan said the issue of domestic violence was not a local government responsibility.

"There are plenty of organisations that provide that service in Bunbury and the South West," he said.

This is the second time Mr Brennan and Mr Brien have blocked an agenda item on the grounds of "good governance".

They refused to allow Cr Wendy Giles from placing a motion on same-sex marriage on the council agenda in August.