THE concept of ‘bloc voting’ has become a hot topic in the lead up to the NSW local government elections, stirring significant discussion among candidates and community members alike.

Bloc voting refers to a scenario where a group of councillors (or ‘voting bloc’), often elected on the same ticket, consistently vote together on council matters.

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While bloc voting is not illegal, it has drawn considerable criticism for potentially stifling diverse viewpoints and leading to decisions that reflect the interests of a few rather than the broader community.

In the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC), bloc voting is not a new phenomenon, with previous teams and councillor groups having engaged in this practice.

However, recent attention has intensified due to the council’s composition following the resignation of councillor Sharon Griffiths in July 2023.

With nine elected councillors, including a popularly elected mayor, PMHC requires at least five votes to pass any resolution.

Since July 2023, the council has been reduced to eight councillors.

Four of the sitting councillors were elected on the ticket of Mayor Peta Pinson in 2021.

When a motion is put forward, these four councillors – Peta Pinson, Adam Roberts, Danielle Maltman, and Josh Slade – generally vote together.

Meanwhile, independent councillors Nik Lipovac, Rachel Sheppard, Lisa Intemann and Greens councillor Lauren Edwards also vote in unison on some issues.

This balance has often resulted in tie votes on matters, with Mayor Pinson frequently using her casting vote to pass motions.

Critics of bloc voting argue that it risks suppressing minority voices, diminishing debate and critical thinking, and creating a perception of partisanship within the council.
However, proponents of bloc voting suggest that it can also offer significant benefits.

A strong voting bloc can streamline decision-making, providing the council with efficiency, a clear mandate, and consistent policies.

This stability, they argue, is crucial for effective governance.

Despite these differing perspectives, many candidates in the upcoming election are distancing themselves from the notion of bloc voting, even as they run on team tickets.

They emphasise the diversity within their teams and stress that there is no expectation for members to ‘tow the party line’ should they all be elected.

With all nine council seats to be filled at the September 14 election, only two declared teams, Team Roberts and the Libertarians (formerly Liberal Democrats), are running more than four candidates – fielding six and five candidates respectively.

Meanwhile, Donald Apanui (DJ) remains the only ungrouped candidate in the race.

At a recent Meet the Candidate session, several candidates voiced their desire for a council composed of a wide array of councillors to ensure that all parts of the community are represented.

By Luke HADFIELD