WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026
SUSPENSION AFTER ‘GRINCHES’ ROW
■ Knox Cr Peter Lockwood has been found to have breached the Model Councillor Code of Conduct following complaints lodged by Crs Lisa Cooper, Glen Atwell, Meagan Baker and Parisa Considine. Cr Lockwood referred to councillors who opposed funding Christmas decorations as “grinches”. His online activity, including “liking” Facebook comments that criticised councillors who voted against the decorations, came under criticism, as he did for talking with the media. The arbiter found the conduct targeted councillors who had voted a particular way during the Christmas decorations debate. The debate was said to go beyond what could reasonably be considered normal political debate. Cr Lockwood is suspended from the role of councillor for one calendar month. Knox Council late last year had a marathon two-hour debate that concluded with a vote not to pay for Christmas decorations. Christmas bows had been proposed at a cost of $15,000 bows were proposed to be installed at Alchester Village, Ferntree Gully Village, Knox Gardens, Knoxfield, Rowville, The Basin and Upper Ferntree Gully. “What a pack of Grinches,” Mr Lockwood said at the time. “It is a trifling amount and it adds to the heart of Christmas, you all lack heart.”
● Cr Peter Lockwood
LABOR’S BAYSWATER CANDIDATE NAMED
● Bayswater MLA Jackson Taylor with Julie Buxton. Photo: Facebook.
■ The Australian Labor Party has named Julie Buxton as candidate for the Bayswater seat at the November state election. Ms Buxton plans to succeed sitting MLA Jackson Taylor who announced last year that he will not seek re-election. “Julie was my first office manager when I was first elected in 2018, and, from day one, I saw how deeply she cared about helping people and making sure our community got the love and attention it deserves,” Mr Taylor said. “She’s lived in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs her whole life and is now raising her family here. “Julie is a proud mum of two boys, a small business owner, and someone who understands the pressures families and local businesses face every day. “Through her work helping communities recover after disasters, Julie knows how government works and how to get things done. “But just as importantly, she believes good representation starts with listening and working alongside the community. “She’s also been a strong volunteer in local community groups and sporting clubs - the places that keep our neighbourhoods connected. “Over the past eight years, we’ve secured record investment for our community - new schools, major road upgrades, community infrastructure and better local services. But there’s still more to do. “I know Julie will be a strong advocate for our community and someone who will work hard every day to earn your trust and keep delivering for Knox,” Mr Taylor said.