[Lasnetmail] Union Solidarity activist to fight council fine.

[LASNET]

Dear Supporters

Union Solidarity activist Ken Mooney is due to appear before the Sunshine
court on Monday Oct 1.

Could you please pass this message and attached leaflet through your
networks. Feel free to pass the message onto any contacts in press.

Yours in Solidarity

Union Solidarity.

========================================================================
Rally to defend democratic rights

9.00am-9.45am Monday
October 1
Sunshine Court
10 Foundry Road
Sunshine (Melway 26 H10)

Community activist and key Union Solidarity supporter Ken Mooney will
appear before the Sunshine Magistrates Court on the 1st of October. Ken is
contesting a fine imposed by the Brimbank Council for allegedly
interjecting from the public gallery during a meeting considering the
future of the site of the Sunshine Swimming Pool.

Mr Mooney was dissatisfied with the Council's handling of this issue, in
terms of consultation with and due regard for the views of the affected
community and appropriate decision-making processes within the Council. He
intends to contest the charge against him on the basis that subjecting him
to a fine for commenting on matters of legitimate political concern, which
were being considered by his political representatives, is inconsistent
with the general freedom of communication necessary for the maintenance of
democratic government.

Ken Mooney has been fined for failing to comply with the direction of the
Chair at a Meeting of the Brimbank Council after having been called to
order by the Chair; in alleged breach of Section 53 of the Meeting
Procedure Local Law No: 1 of 2002.

Background:
After years of neglect and disuse the Brimbank Council proposed destroying
an outdoor 50meter pool as part of an upgrade to the Sunshine Leisure
Centre. Community and Union action successfully forced the Brimbank
Council and the State Government to retain outdoor aquatic facilities at
the leisure centre. Community activists such as Ken Mooney exercised their
democratic rights and attended council meetings to voice opposition to the
council's plans.

Union Solidarity calls on its supporters, union members and community
activists to attend the rally. The ability of local activists to defend
the local community is a vital right to retain.

For more interest or comment contact 0412 484 094 and visit the Union
Solidarity website.

www.unionsolidarity.org
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: KenMooneyDefence.pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 24754 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.latinlasnet.org/pipermail/lasnetmail/attachments/20070921/77137cc5/attachment.pdf