An April 17, 2025, meeting of the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) took a dramatic turn involving police, following debate over a building’s legality in Nimmitabel. Councillor Thaler’s motion, ruled by the SMRC Chair as unlawful due to an Apprehended Violence Order existing between himself and the occupants of the property in question, saw several councillors leaving the session, a move Mr Thaler alleges was an effort to silence his motion.
PHOTO: Councillor Thaler speaks on the motion CREDIT: SMRC screenshot
Tensions escalated when three individuals were reportedly involved in a physical altercation, now under investigation by NSW Police. The situation, according to some councillors appears to have arisen when one member of the public allegedly filmed another without consent. The camera in use was allegedly taken, with a third man then becoming involved in the scuffle.
According to NSW Police, “About 6pm Thursday April 17, 2025, police were called to local council building on Commissioner Street, Cooma, following reports of an altercation.”
Upon arrival, officers found that “three men had a physical altercation in the building with the men aged 52, 59 and 64 with one of the men sustaining a minor arm injury.”
Councillor Summers, who said she attempted to diffuse the situation, shared, “My involvement was no more than interceding to try and stop the continuation of a breach of the peace.”
Councillor Higgins commented on what she believes was a contentious issue, saying, “The motion was about his neighbour, and that was inappropriate. It wasn’t fair that they were named and their address made public, it seemed wrong, and I didn’t want to be a part of it.” She noted the walkout by Councillors Stewart, Summers, Rooney, and Davis as a collective stance against the perceived injustice.
PHOTO: Councillor Tanya Higgins
Councillor Thaler, defending his position, said his motion was lawful, that it sought a compliance assessment of the property against the planning rules, insisting, “You’re not allowed to have a shipping container dwelling without a development consent.”
PHOTO: Councillors starting to leave the meeting CREDIT SMRC screenshot
Mr Thaler further shared his frustration over 19 Code of Conduct complaints made against him, which has seen the council under a Performance Improvement Order, and which he claims remain unresolved allegations, citing a lack of being able to see or respond to the complaints.
“I do think that this walk-out is also part of a broader agenda to try to remove me from council before I have any opportunity to see the complaints made.”