Wagga councillor Paul Funnell has formally apologised for a 10 minute tirade that was directed at council staff and fellow councillors more than two years ago.
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The Office of Local Government found Cr Funnell acted in "an intimidating, threatening and disrespectful manner" at a closed workshop on November 19, 2018.
The Daily Advertiser understands a new staff member was giving a presentation that prompted an outburst from Cr Funnell.
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Several people who were present, including mayor Greg Conkey, lodged formal complaints about Cr Funnell's behaviour with the OLG.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, OLG deputy secretary Tim Hurst banned Cr Funnell from civic duties for one month and ordered him to apologise.
Cr Funnell, whose suspension comes into effect on February 19, tabled his apology at the end of Monday night's ordinary council meeting.
The apology states: "I Paul Funnell have been ordered by Tim Hurst, Deputy Secretary, Local Government Planning and Policy, under delegation from the Secretary, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, to apologise to council staff and councillors for inappropriate behaviour towards them on 19 November 2018. I hereby apologise."
The OLG found Cr Funnell's "disrespectful" behaviour left staff and councillors "fearing for their personal safety".
But Councillor Kerry Pascoe said on Monday night that he "didn't like" this statement.
"I can certainly say I didn't fear any personal safety on the night," he said.
Councillor Tim Koschel called for improved communication, saying he found out about Cr Funnell's suspension through the media.
Catie McLeod
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
