Question Time AU

General Debate

Kiama Municipal Council, New South Wales: Kiama By-Election

House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 September 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Fiona Phillips raised a grievance concerning the alleged political interference by Kiama Municipal Council in the Kiama state by-election. She argued that council officials misused ratepayer funds for political advocacy and failed to prepare projects for available federal funding. Phillips highlighted specific instances where council claims about project readiness were inaccurate and criticized the council's legal disputes with local community groups. She contrasted this behavior with the delivery of federal funding for local infrastructure and community services under the Labor government. The debate concluded with Phillips endorsing the Labor candidate for the by-election and outlining further government investments in the region.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Fiona Phillips (Gilmore) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Phillips argued that Kiama Municipal Council engaged in political meddling during the Kiama state by-election by using council resources to attack state and federal Labor governments. Phillips claimed that Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters promoted projects that were not shovel-ready and provided incorrect information to ratepayers. Phillips stated that the council failed to apply for available grants and ignored flooding issues at the Jamberoo Community Preschool site. Phillips criticized the council for incurring high legal costs in a dispute with the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, despite federal funding for a new clubhouse. Phillips asserted that the council should focus on delivering infrastructure rather than engaging in political attacks.