By Laura Michell
An allegation of misconduct has been made against a Hume councillor.
Hume council chief executive, Domenic Isola this morning confirmed that the council had received a complaint about misconduct relating to a councillor.
Star Weekly understands the complaint relates to Meadow Valley Ward councillor, Naim Kurt, who last night announced he was taking a leave of absence from council as a result of “ongoing harassment by an individual”.
“Council takes all allegations of misconduct seriously,” Mr Isola said in a statement.
“The councillor is being asked to respond to the alleged misconduct.”
The council did not answer questions about the nature of the complaint, when it was received or whether the complaint was made by a fellow councillor or a member of the public.
Mayor Carly Moore said the council was “following due process” to ensure the matter was “dealt with appropriately”.
“Our community rightfully expects and deserves only the highest level of conduct by its elected officials.,” she said.
In his statement, Cr Kurt, who was elected to council in 2016, said he notified Mr Isola on Tuesday that he was taking a leave of absence for “at least the next month”.
“Over the past two months, myself and members of my family have been the victims of ongoing harassment by an individual,” the statement said.
“I first referred this matter to police in mid-March this year and it remains an ongoing police matter.
“This has been a deeply distressing time for myself and my family and has had a significant impact on my mental health.
“I am receiving professional help and support at this time.
“As the matter is currently before the police, I will not be making any further comments. I would ask that my family and I are given privacy during this stressful period.
“I want to thank my family and friends for all the support that I have been receiving and I look forward to returning to council duties in due course.”
