Tribe Talk: A Podcast for the People
Disagreement may be part of a constructive democratic process.
But Shoalhaven Council debate of late has inspired numerous Code of Conduct complaints, a Safe Work investigation, a brain drain of the entire executive staff, tense union meetings, caustic Mayoral statements, accusations of fraud and document tampering, personal insults thrown across the floor (as well as behind the scenes) and one councillor resignation citing the elected group's "toxic culture" and dysfunctional wasting of time and money.
And that was just in the last few weeks!
It would be perfectly understandable for those embedded perpetually on the losing side of Shoalhaven Council votes to throw their hands in the air and walk away, or shrink into their chairs in silent frustration.
But, to counter the confusion and tedium, and reach busy people who aren’t currently paying attention to the important decisions made by their local government, Councillor Jemma Tribe has taken a bold alternative step.
She's started her own podcast called Council Catch-up.
Reclaiming her previous professional broadcaster voice, Cr. Tribe's first episode is short, sharp and a little salty - giving listeners a hint of how revelatory this podcast might actually become.
Cr. Tribe could have filled many podcast episodes with behind-the-scenes drama from the past year (almost) of this Council.
But even Tribe's most pointed moments in media interviews have been guarded and diplomatic, despite that she has played the role of an unofficial opposition leader in a elected body characterised by bloc voting that is small on reason and big on spending.
With the controversial recent departure of her Team Tribe Independents running mate, Natalee Johnston, alongside the histrionic unwillingness of Mayor White, Cr. Bob Proudfoot and the other Shoalhaven Independent Group (SIG) councillors to acknowledge any problems, Cr Tribe has decided to take her opinions direct to the people.
"I have a voice and I need to use it," Cr. Tribe said
"Watching a 4-hour council meeting is the last thing on most people’s to do list, especially if they’re as busy as I am raising a family, running a business, running a charity, serving the community and attempting a social life.
"I want to give people the headlines so that they can get a glimpse of what goes on in the chamber and explore the issues in greater detail if anything sparks their interest."
Cr. Tribe said the podcast is her personal viewpoint and not an official Council summary.
Subscribe if you're curious. Or subscribe to find out why you should be curious.
Because the dominant yet mystifying voting habits of Shoalhaven Councillors has the public majority not in on the joke wondering what the heck we're missing.
My bet is that Tribe's podcast will get more traction than a dozen rescission motions and confidential briefings.
The full live stream of Shoalhaven Council meetings are archived and available to watch from Shoalhaven Council's website.
- Cat Holloway, Editor
