Many months ago I posted a screenshot showing Kempsey Shire Councillor Noel Selby telling a woman ‘pity he hadn’t bashed you’ on a Facebook post about a man accused of multiple murders.
After countless complaints an investigation was launched and now it has been finalised.
The independent investigator found Selby did – despite his denials – post the comment from his own Facebook page.
When he was called out, he refused to remove the comment. It only disappeared after widespread outrage.
The council organised an investigation.
The response has now been sent to those who made an official complaint.
It reads: Having considered all the evidence, I have formed the view that Cr Selby did post the comment from his Facebook account and as a result of posting that comment Cr Selby caused reporting on multiple social media and media outlets each of which identified the Councillor as an elected official of Kempsey Shire Council.
“This reporting generated significant public commentary on social media and media platforms. As such, allegation 1, particulars 1 a) and b) are substantiated.
“I am also of the view that Cr Selby’s comment has breached Council’s Code of Conduct as it causes, comprises or involves intimidation and constitutes harassment, in that it is not wanted by the person and offends, humiliates or intimidates the person, and creates a hostile environment. It also has the capacity to damage the Council’s reputation.”
Selby remains a councillor, but it has been recommended he be ‘censured’ under the Local Government Act.
It is not clear what punishment – if any – will be given.
It appears Kempsey Shire Council is yet to respond to the finding.
NOEL SELBY’S ‘BASH YOU’ COMMENT FOUND TO BE REAL
