Councillor faces calls to resign

Kempsey Shire councillor Noel Selby has been asked to resign after an investigation found he told a woman it was a pity he hadn't bashed you on social media.

“it was a "pity he hadn't bashed you"”

Council votes unanimously

The council's monthly meeting voted unanimously to censure Selby and request his resignation. The decision came after more than an hour of confidential discussion about an independent investigator's report.

Selby claims account was hacked

Selby declined to comment after proceedings but shared a written statement saying his Facebook page was hacked. He said he has never abused any woman in his seventy-five years.

“I stand by my original statement that my FB page was hacked!”

Mayor: severity demands more

Mayor Kinne Ring said the investigator's recommendation of censure alone did not go far enough. Council decided to censure Selby, request his resignation, and recommend he engage in a men's behavioural-change program.

“We don't think that really matched the severity of what Cr Selby had done”

Investigation cost forty thousand

Mayor Ring said the matter had cost council more than forty thousand dollars in lost time and resources. She noted the community was rightfully outraged by Selby's comment given domestic violence prevalence in the region.

Deputy Mayor: strongest stance possible

Deputy Mayor Arthur Bain said councillors had taken the strongest stance possible under current legislation after being inundated with concerns. He said the message was clear that violence and intimidation are not condoned.

Domestic violence service skeptical

June Wilson, executive officer of Kempsey Families, welcomed the council's decision but said Selby had not taken accountability. She said men's behavioural-change programs only work if someone is willing to hold themselves to account.

“If someone is not willing to hold themselves to account, men's behaviour change is a complete waste of time”

Matter referred to state regulator

The matter has been referred to the Office of Local Government for further consideration. This could lead to Selby's disqualification as a councillor. Selby maintains he will not resign.