Perth Voice Interactive

PLAINS-CLOTHED rangers were planted in the public gallery Tuesday because council bosses had a feeling something might happen.

“There has been an escalating increase of non-compliance with the presiding member’s instructions at recent meetings, and also an increase in abusive emails to both staff and councillors in recent weeks,” acting CEO Mike Rootsey said.

“There has been increasing concern [at] the levels of abuse and the volatile manner at council meetings and in email communications.”

It was well-known that Debbie Saunders and Stuart Lofthouse had “strong opposing views” regarding the council’s bike plan and, given their “past history of non-adherence” to standing orders, Mr Rootsey says “it was thought prudent to have the officers present as a precaution in the event that any action was needed to be taken”.

Prior to the meeting another member of the public had been asked to leave for abusing staff, and that person then made threatening phone calls.
“Therefore in the interest of the safety and security of the staff and councillors at the meeting the two officers were asked to attend.”

As for why the rangers were not in uniform, Mr Rootsey says it may have been seen “as provocative”.

“We were not trying to create a confrontational atmosphere. They were both working. It should be noted that both officers prior to taking any action clearly identified themselves by displaying their photo IDs which indicates that they are authorised persons in accordance with the local government act 1995.”

Rangers are almost never seen at Vincent council meetings but may now become regular fixtures.

by DAVID BELL