Shire councillor found guilty of misconduct

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillor Cam Williams has been found to have engaged in misconduct following a series of comments about fellow councillors. On 24 August, arbiter Noel Harvey OAM determined Williams had breached three clauses of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct in relation to two incidents in December 2025. The arbitration application was made by Cr David Gill and Cr Kate Roper in March 2026. The first allegation concerned an interview Williams gave to the Somerville Times on 13 December 2025, in which he made a number of comments about fellow councillors and council matters. According to the report, the comments included an allegation that Roper had leaked information to the media, comments about Gill insinuating IBAC scrutiny without evidence, and claims about the motives and conduct of other councillors. The second allegation referenced a 'Council Watch' article Williams posted to his council Facebook page, which depicted councillors throwing money around. The post misstated previous arbitration costs as 'hundreds of thousands of dollars'. The arbiter stated the actual cost as $1800. A hearing was conducted at the shire offices on 17 July, with Gill and Williams in attendance. Williams acknowledged during the hearing he had exercised poor judgment, and a number of his statements were inappropriate. Harvey said in the report that as a result, the hearing focused less on whether the misconduct had occurred and more on the appropriate response. Williams described the incident as 'two very stupid things' and said, 'had he appreciated the likely consequences at the time, he would have acted differently'. Williams apologised publicly shortly after the incidents, removed the Facebook post, participated in mediation and governance processes, undertook further training, and said there had been no repetition of similar conduct since. Harvey acknowledged the apology was genuine and Williams had since demonstrated insight into his conduct. However, he found the earlier apology was expressed in general terms and did not address the reference to IBAC in relation to Gill or the inaccurate description of the cost of previous arbitration. Gill argued the comments caused reputational damage and had the potential to influence community perceptions. He requested a suspension of Williams for two to three months and a detailed public apology, specifically acknowledging any inaccurate statements made. Harvey said he was not satisfied a suspension was warranted, as Williams took full responsibility, apologised, and took remedial steps. Williams has been directed to provide a written apology to the shire and to Gill and Roper. He must read the apology aloud at the next council meeting, which is scheduled for 29 September. The apology must acknowledge the inaccurate statements made and will be recorded in the official council minutes. At the 1 September council meeting, the arbiter's report was tabled as an attachment to the meeting minutes. First published in the Mornington News – 8 September 2026