Angela Crawford and Morgan Reinwald
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno has lost his driver’s licence after being caught speeding and drink driving in the mayoral car last month.
Victoria Police said Cr Bonanno was pulled over on McGeorge Road in Gisborne South about 8.15pm on Friday, October 31. He returned a positive roadside breath test and was taken to a local station, where an evidentiary test allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.087.
His licence will be disqualified for six months from the end of November.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Cr Bonanno took full responsibility for what he described as a “major lapse in judgement.”
“I appreciate that my family, fellow councillors, council staff and the community put their trust in me, which I have breached, for which I sincerely apologise,” he said.
“I can’t turn the clock back, but I will work each day to rebuild this trust over the months and years ahead. I am very disappointed in myself, and I have always strived to be a good councillor and mayor, to listen and to strongly represent our residents and broader community.”
Cr Bonanno said he had since returned the mayoral vehicle and it was neither impounded nor damaged during the incident.
The Midland Express received an anonymous tipoff regarding Cr Bonanno’s actions and approached council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan at a public event a day before the mayor’s announcement to confirm whether the allegations were true.
Mr O’Sullivan responded, “I can’t comment on that. Where did you hear that?”
The following day, the Midland Express emailed the council requesting a statement from Cr Bonanno. Six hours later, his public apology was published online.
Cr Bonanno has since taken personal leave and is expected to return on Tuesday, November 25, for the annual council meeting to elect the mayor. He confirmed he would not seek re-election to the position.
Cr Kate Kendall has temporarily taken over mayoral responsibilities.
This story has been published to the Castlemaine Mail instead of the Midland Express as it’s website is currently down for maitenance.
