The Coliban ward councillor was pulled over in the mayoral vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.073. He held the position of mayor at the time.

Cr Klein has lost his license for six months and has expressed remorse at his actions in an open letter to the community.

“Late last year I was breathalysed while driving the Mayoral vehicle and was shocked to find myself 0.023% over the limit.

“The two previous times that a breath test had coincided with a time that I had one or two – I was fine,” he said. “Of course I realise the seriousness of the matter – especially given my position at the time. It’s fair to say that I felt like an idiot,” Cr Klein said. “I am sorry and regret what I did, to those others on the road, and to the community to whom I am supposed to set an example, I also apologise.”

He warned others in the community of the risk associated with getting behind the wheel after a couple of drinks.

“You can’t be too careful. A standard drink isn’t necessarily what is in your glass. It is especially hard to measure in a social situation,” he said. “So do watch your alcohol intake when you plan to drive – take care of yourself and others, not just because of the fine, or the loss of license, but for the sake of the safety and welfare of other people on the road. I certainly will be much more careful in the future.” 

Current mayor, John Cottrell said Cr Klein advised council of his driving under the influence offence and his intention to issue a letter to the editor in his local publication, The Trentham Trumpet. 

“Council were firm in the view that a statement and apology should be circulated further throughout the shire in other publications and signed by him in his capacity as a Councillor,” Cr Cottrell said.

Cr Cottrell said all councillors are bound by the law, the Councillor Code of Conduct and are subject to policies that govern the use of council owned vehicles. 

“Councillors considered the incident and discussed with Cr Klein the seriousness of the offence and the requirement to uphold the high principles and practice under the Councillor Code of Conduct. Council have accepted the court determined sanction of disqualification, and Cr Klein's public apology,” he said.