When Nina Taylor State MP for Albert Park posted this picture on Instagram taken at the Port Phillip Citizenship Ceremony on 21 March, she probably had no inkling of the controversy it might cause.
An eagle-eyed reader asked why the Port Phillip CEO Chris Carroll (pictured in the background in special robes) was wearing the robes at the ceremony?
Robes make ceremony special says Mayor
Mayor Heather Cunsolo replied to the question with this reply:
“The Deputy Mayor and myself were attending other events on the night of the most recent citizenship ceremony.
“As the CEO is a presiding officer option for citizenship ceremonies, it was suggested he wear ceremonial (not mayoral) robes for the event as we know from our community and conferees that an official look makes the event feel even more special and makes for great photos.”
“Our Governance officers have confirmed we do not have a policy or protocol dictating how the robes are to be used. Some Council’s in Victoria specifically limit the use of their robes to the Mayor, but CoPP does not.”
“The use of the robes in no way implies the roles of mayor or CEO are interchangeable and any suggestion to this effect is incorrect.”
“The actual Mayoral Robes are under lock and key as historic artefacts. The robes worn by the CEO are essentially for use by the presiding officer of Citizenship ceremonies, which the CEO was on this occasion.”
Grand Prix reception trumps citizenship ceremony
As it turned out, the other event (for the Mayor) was the glittering, 600 guest Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024 Reception at the Victorian Governor’s House.
We haven’t been able to confirm the other event for Deputy Mayor Louise Crawford.
But there’s a sting in the tale (sic)
Who took the photo that started this tricky story?
Nina Taylor, MLA Albert Park, who was obviously at the citizenship ceremony.
TWiSK is prepared to wager that Ms Taylor was also on the Governor’s guest list.
TWiSK contacted Nina for comment and she did not reply by deadline.
TWiSK also contacted Chris Carroll, but he politely declined to offer a quote.
