Kiama Councillor Imogen Draisma has shot down claims of a conflict of interest due to her employment raised in NSW Parliament on Thursday.

Shadow Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman asked Wollongong MP Paul Scully in Parliament about Cr Draisma’s involvement in last week’s Kiama Council vote over the reclassification of three local surf clubs.

Tuckerman, who is also the Member for Goulburn, raised concerns about Cr Draisma voting on the matter even though she is also employed by Scully as an electorate officer.

“Your staff member, Imogen Draisma, didn’t disclose a conflict of interest before voting on the 20th of May in favour of a Council motion to reclassify three surf life saving clubs from community land to operational land, allowing them potential sale,” Tuckerman said in Parliament.

“That reclassification requires your approval. What discussions did you have with Councillor Draisma about this reclassification prior to the vote?”

Scully responded with: “Well, well. This is deeply inquisitive, Mr Speaker.

“I don’t discuss Council matters with Councillor Draisma but as for her declaration, I don’t know. I also don’t watch Kiama Council proceedings because I have got work to do.”

Cr Draisma was one of five local Councillors who voted for the motion along with Matt Brown, Yasman Tatrai, Stuart Larkins and Mike Cains.

When contacted by The Bugle about Tuckerman’s query, Cr Draisma was adamant there was no conflict of interest.

“As the former Minister for Local Government, I would expect the Member to better understand the fundamental process of land reclassification under the Local Government Act,” she said.

“I have, on the public record, diligently disclosed and removed myself from numerous items of business in the current and previous term of Council.

“The motion in question is to commence a reclassification process of land subject to consent of each Surf Life Saving Club. The outcome of this consultation will be provided in a future report to Council.

“It is not the policy of Kiama Municipal Council to sell any Surf Life Saving Club or the land that they sit on.

“If the Member, or the person behind her, has concerns they are aware of the avenue available.

“I will not be intimidated from serving my community by a politically motivated misinformation and disinformation campaign made under parliamentary privilege. I have written to the Speaker seeking a Citizens’ Right of Reply.”