Shire boss hits out

By Paul Dunlop
CARDINIA Shire chief executive Don Welsh has criticised media reporting of two recent incidents in which he was involved.
He said the journalists responsible had failed to meet the basic obligations of their profession.
Mr Welsh was referring to reports by newspapers, including the Gazette, about an assault on the CEO by Cr Bill Ronald and a defamation action involving Mr Welsh and Gembrook township committee president Bob Farr.
In a personal statement delivered at the council’s meeting on Monday, Mr Welsh said he had been the victim of two “very disturbing attacks” in recent times and raised concerns about the manner in which the incidents had been reported.
He said he hadn’t anticipated a second wave of assault by journalists.
Mr Welsh said reports of the incidents contained information that was not factually correct.
He said it was incumbent on journalists to ensure they reported all the facts accurately and said they must accept the consequences of their actions.
He said publicising of the incidents had caused him distress.
“As a victim you are confronted with an awful ordeal, firstly the attack, then the process of evidence and the cost, both financial and emotional,” Mr Welsh said.
“But rather than cower in the corner, you must defend yourself.”
Mr Welsh also showed to the council security camera footage of the incident involving Cr Ronald and the CEO at a car park in Melbourne on 18 May.
The footage showed Cr Ronald’s confrontation with Mr Welsh which took place after the defamation action involving Mr Farr was settled at a mediation at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Cr Ronald was absent from Monday’s meeting.
Star News Group editor Garry Howe said that, while he could not speak on behalf of all newspapers, he was satisfied with the Gazette’s reporting of the issue, given it was a matter of public interest.