SERIOUS bullying allegations made against Gawler Council CEO Henry Inat during a recent union staff survey will now be investigated following a special meeting on Monday night.

Mr Inat last month discredited an Australian Services Union (ASU) staff survey as a “union ploy” that claimed enterprise agreement negotiations were causing feelings of “worthlessness”, “intimidation” and “frustration” among employees.

Monday’s meeting was called by councillors Nathan Shanks, Paul Little and Cody Davies after Gawler Mayor Karen Redman disallowed a motion without notice to discuss the matter last week.

While blocking the motion was within the Mayor’s powers, several elected members urged Ms Redman to reconsider.

“I truly believe that sitting on this is not in the best interest of the council and I cannot allow us to make a potential mistake when there is nothing to lose by talking about this very serious matter sooner rather than later,” Cr Shanks said.

While councillor Ian Tooley failed to move his motion without notice last Tuesday night, it was debated in confidence at Monday’s meeting.

Cr Tooley said, following robust debate, the motion was passed with a majority of six to four, with councillors Tooley, Vallelonga, Davies, Little, Sambell and Shanks voting for the motion, and councillors Hughes, Fraser, Koch and Goldstone voting against.

It was then debated and determined that the resolution and minutes would not be kept in confidence by the same vote of six to four.

“I am pleased… the motion on notice was resolved in the affirmative and passed by a majority of the elected members to take effect immediately and to be made publicly available,” Cr Tooley said.

Acting CEO Ryan Viney – in partnership with Cr Sambell and Cr Little – was authorised to immediately engage an independent third party to investigate the allegations and report back to council as soon as the investigation process is ready to proceed.

The full motion without notice will be available for viewing on council’s website.