Labor’s Diedree Steinwall has resigned from Sutherland Shire Council in a shock move which she says was “forced” on her by Labor Party officials.
Cr Steinwall said she was given legal advice, under the federal constitution, she could not contest the federal seat of Hughes for the ALP if she remained on the council.
“I am absolutely gutted,” Cr Steinwall told the Leader before flying home from Japan, where she has been part of a council delegation for a “sister city” visit.
“I would never have done this if I had not been forced into it.”
Cr Steinwall, whose resignation takes effect on Monday, said “the first question I asked” was why Liberal MP for Barton Nick Varvaris had stayed on Kogarah Council after his election to federal parliament three years ago.
“The answer they gave me was they were erring on the side of caution,” she said.
Cr Steinwall said she considered withdrawing as the Labor candidate for Hughes, but because her role had been publicised and she was so personally committed, she decided against that option.
The state government introduced legislation when Barry O’Farrell was Premier to prevent politicians serving in state and local government at the same time.
Resignation from council is required only if the person is elected to Parliament.
There has been legal uncertainty over whether federal politicians can fill both roles because of a potential “conflict of interest”.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce, a Liberal, said he was “flabbergasted” with Cr Steinwall’s decision.
"I'm sure the community is very disappointed Diedree has turned her back on the local community in favour of a possibility of a higher seat of office,” he said.
“Personally, I'm shocked that she made this decision and that she has walked away from her constituents so close to the council elections."
Cr Pesce said, because the general election for council would be held in September, a by-election to replace Cr Steinwall was unlikely.
General manager Scott Phillips said in a letter to the mayor, “I understand that Councillor Steinwall has been advised that in order to stand [in the federal election], it will be necessary for her to resign her councillor position”.
“I am aware that Councillor Steinwall is most disappointed that this action is necessary and does so with considerable reluctance,” he wrote.
Mr Phillips said he had advised the Office of Local Government the council would be asked to recommend that the vacancy not be filled before the general election.
