Pregnant councillor not allowed to Zoom into meetings after birth

If she wanted to bring her baby into the council chamber, Cr Cook said she must make a formal application to council chairman Andrew Wines each week.

“In 2020, parents should not be locked out of political processes due to pregnancy or raising children,” Cr Cook said.

“Council has proven it has the ability to facilitate virtual meetings during COVID, why this cannot be applied for other purposes, like parental responsibilities, is indefensible.

“Streaming council and committee meetings and allowing virtual attendance should be the norm, not the exception.

“It’s time for council to move on from its dark age conservative roots and get with the modern age program.”

Cr Cook is one of several female councillors with young children. Other…