South West shire votes to stop reading books of “learning and wisdom” at meetings

A South West shire has decided to remove a historical relic from all future council meetings after deeming it no longer relevant or necessary. The Shire of Harvey voted to remove “reading from a book of learning and wisdom” as a standing item from meeting agendas. Traditionally, the council’s meeting would begin with a Bible reading, but this was changed in 2001 to be any book of learning and wisdom. The motion to scrap the tradition altogether came from Cr Robyn Coleman, who said the readings were not relevant to council business and were not accurately reflected in the minutes each month. “I don’t think (the readings) add value; none of us can remember what was said the weeks before and I don’t see any point to it,” he said. Cr John Bromham seconded the proposal and said removing the matter from the agenda was a “matter of expedience” to allow the council to “get on with business”. The motion was passed 9-2, with Cr Wendy Dickinson and Cr Michelle Boylan voting against it.