Melbourne City Councillor under the spotlight
The Age newspaper has rerun a story that broke last year pertaining to Cr Fiona Sneden and allegations made against her. Cr Sneden has been charged with refusing to take a breath test which if true results in two year suspension of licence.
Link to online story (The Age 25 Jan 2006)
The details and facts of this case are sketchy, Cr Sneden claims that she was not in charge of the vehicle at the time. If this is true and she was not the driver then there is no reason why she should be required to undertake a breath test and it is possible that the police have overstep their mark.
The matter is before the courts and we don't know the exact circumstances. We will have to wait and see what transpires.
Drink driving is a serious offence and one that can not be dismissed lightly. Our public officials, in particular, must stand up to scrutiny and meet community standards and expectations.
Former Victorian State Liberal MP Olexander clearly had breach that standard last year when he was caught well over the limit, he was reckless and stupid, and has paid the ultimate price. (If you ask me he got off lightly. )
As this is a serious offence and we will give Cr Sneden the benefit of doubt for the time being but if it proves otherwise she should reconsider her position.
The time has come for Victoria to consider a zero alcohol limit for all drivers helping drive the message home DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.
Whilst it is unknown, by us, if Councilor Sneden was returning from a Council function at the time of the incident, the timing is right for the City Council to review its policy of supplying free alcoholic beverages at Council functions.
The supplying of alcohol at Council functions leaves the Council open to liability in the event of any associated accident. Something that Alison Lyon, Council's legal officer failed to point out to the City Council. The cost of "Free"Alcohol is something that ratepayers should not have to pay for.
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