The motion, raised by Labor Cr Ben Whiting, proposed council not take up the scheduled rate increase of 7.25 per cent in the next financial year - instead limiting the increase to the minimum of 2.3 per cent. 

Put forward by Labor during last year’s council election, the plan would result in an average one-off saving of $80 to $100 per ratepayer. 

The motion prompted robust discussion, which included two remarkable instances of councillors interjecting during each others’ speeches. 

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The first came when Cr Whiting spoke in favour of the motion, stating that poor wage growth and soaring electricity prices warranted the reduction.

“The question you all need to ask yourself is when is it appropriate to cut rates, if not now?” he said. 

His speech was promptly ended when Liberal Councillor Mitchell Griffin interjected and said Cr Whiting had surpassed the five minute limit for speeches.

Councillors voted on whether to allow Cr Whiting to continue – however, remarkably, only Labor voted in favour, prompting Cr Whiting to say “that was very weak” as he abruptly took a seat. 

Cr Meskauskas said the decision not to grant an extension was “very disappointing, no matter what colour or what side of the field you’re on”.

Cr Aitchison called the move “disgraceful”, and hit back soon after.

As Cr Griffin spoke against the motion by reading from his Ipad, Cr Aitchison called a point of order – saying that reading from a prepared speech was against council code of practice. 

Cr Philip Penfold later challenged the validity of the point of order, with general manager David Evans resolving to further investigate the matter. 

Cr Griffin finished his speech without the Ipad, citing his concerns about what the rate reduction would mean for council projects planned this term. 

With all councillors having their say on the issue, Cr Ben Mitchell seemed to surmise the majority’s mood of the chamber. 

The Liberal Councillor slammed the plan, calling it “pure populism”. 

“I’m of the opinion that this motion is borne of irresponsible election promises,” he said.

At 25 years old, Maitland’s youngest ever councillor said his generation would have to deal with the consequences of council decisions more than most, and that it was “incumbent upon (councillors) to do not what just is popular, but what is good for this city”. 

“I urge council to put the long term interest of their community ahead of their election promises,” he finished.

It was a point the majority of his fellow councillors seemingly agreed with.

When put to the vote, just the five Labor councillors supported it – leaving the election promise dead in the water.  

In a response to the motion, Maitland council general manager Dave Evans wrote that the motion would have a revenue impact of $3m in the 2018/2019 financial year.

Compounded over a decade, this would lead to a revenue deficiency of $40m in council’s 10 year financial plan.