On the Local Government News Roundup for Friday 3rd May:
- New governance and integrity standards for Victorian Councils unveiled
- A Melton councillor suspended and ordered to apologise over Facebook posts
- The Tasmanian Premier critical of a Victorian Council
- The results of a countback at Moonee Valley council
- A NSW councillor removed from office for non-attendance at Council meetings
- A two-term mayor announces she won’t contest the upcoming mayoral election
- A newly elected mayor targeted by cybercriminals
- and two council CEO appointments this week in Western Australia
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice;
and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 331:
Victorian Roundup:
New legislation has reached the Victorian Parliament aimed at elevating governance and integrity standards across the state’s councils.
The government is aiming to have the new standards in place for the new council term following elections in October.
It said 56 councillors have resigned in the current term, 11 councils have had municipal monitors appointed, and one council, Strathbogie, has been dismissed as a result of governance issues.
The bill will introduce a uniform code of conduct and mandatory training for councillors and mayors, including annual professional development.
There’ll be stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct, improved processes to resolve conduct matters earlier, and strengthened ministerial powers to deal with councillors who are either putting health and safety at risk or preventing their council from performing its functions.
The government says the reforms come off the back of reports and recommendations of IBAC, the Chief Municipal Inspector, and other interventions such as municipal monitors’ recommendations for improving processes.
Observers have been quick to note that much of the detail of the new regime has been left to regulations which are yet to be developed.
Those regulations and a model Code of Conduct will need to be in place by November, when new Councils take office.
A councillor at Melton has been ordered to apologise and serve a 14 day suspension after a finding of misconduct by an Arbiter.
The application brought by a number of Melton councillors against Cr Ashleigh Vandenburg alleged a breach of various clauses of the Standards of Conduct in relation to Facebook posts made in 2023.
The arbiter, Louise Martin, directed that Cr Vandenburg make verbal and written apologies to fellow councillors in relation to one Facebook post.
On another, she said that an apology was not appropriate given it is the subject of pre-litigation proceedings. The arbiter considered it was a particularly serious breach of the standards, in that Cr Vandenburg accused her colleagues of unlawful conduct and racial vilification.
A 14 day suspension was imposed to take effect from the tabling of the Arbiter’s reasons, which occurred at a council meeting last week.
Victorian councillors can now take a four-week university course on identifying and dealing with conspiracy theories.
The course, offered by the Municipal Association of Victoria and the University of Melbourne, aims to equip council candidates with the tools to combat misinformation, particularly in the lead up to local government elections.
The Age reported that the course will cover disinformation campaigns around topics such as COVID-19, climate change and gender, as well as common conspiracies on issues like 5G towers and 15-minute cities.
A Hume council meeting was disrupted this week by attendees shouting ‘free Palestine’ and ‘shame’ during a discussion about Anzac Day.
The Star Weekly reported that the meeting was adjourned for a short time due to the disruption.
Outside the meeting, over 100 people gathered, with chants of support for Palestine.
Mayor Naim Kurt said the council has previously stood with the community in calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Palestine but was not considering any motions on the topic during this week’s meeting.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has taken aim at Colac Otway Shire Council for what he described as an extremely disappointing decision to walk away from supporting farmers on King Island.
The Premier said this week that senior Tasmanian officials had dedicated significant time and resources to work with the Council to address any concerns they had and to find a way to open the Apollo Bay port to ship stock feed to King Island.
Earlier this week the council announced that the Port of Apollo Bay is unable to support the scale of operations required, and that it was working with relevant departments to find an urgent, alternative solution.
Glen Eira Council is proposing a partnership with Bayside City Council to provide in-home and social support services to elderly residents.
This comes in response to the Australian Government’s aged care reforms which has so far seen 45 Victorian councils decide to stop providing services.
The council is seeking feedback from various stakeholders on the shared services proposal, with a decision expected to be made in mid-August.
Illegal dumping of household waste in public bins is a growing concern in Alpine Shire.
The issue is affecting the cleaning schedules of SSX Group, the company responsible for cleaning services in the region.
Alpine Shire Council is implementing signage on all public waste bins to encourage reporting of waste issues and facilitate easier reporting.
Mayor, Cr John Forsyth, encouraged the community to work together to keep public spaces clean.
On-the-spot fines of over $300 can be imposed for illegal dumping.
Victorian Briefs:
There’s a new councillor at Moonee Valley City Council, after a countback was conducted to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Cam Nation.
Jessica O’Neil was successful in the countback, and is expected to be sworn in on Monday 6th May.
Mayor Pierce Tyson welcomed the election of councillor-elect O’Neil, and said it would make Moonee Valley the equal-third leader among Victorian councils for female representation.
East Gippsland Shire Council is assisting affected business owners and their employees after a fire damaged three commercial properties in the small township of Cann River, including a cafe, a vacant shop, and a motel.
The cafe, a major local employer, along with the loss of accommodation, is expected to significantly impact the wellbeing of residents and the local economy.
Ballarat Council has approved a three-year funding and service agreement worth $415,725 with Commerce Ballarat, a not-for-profit organization providing advocacy and support services to over 650 local businesses.
The extension continues a 20-year collaboration and increases annual funding by $25K.
The council also allocated $20,000 to the Commerce Ballarat Business Assistance Program, connecting local businesses to support and advice.
Golden Plains Shire Council has remembered its first female Mayor, Jenny Blake, who has passed away.
Jenny served as a Councillor from 1996 to 2016, and was mayor from 2008 to 2010, and again from 2012 to 2014.
She and her husband Kevin, a former Leigh Shire councillor, dedicated their lives to serving and advocating for the residents of Golden Plains Shire.
The Australian Flags were flown at half-mast at Golden Plains Shire offices on Wednesday, the day of her funeral.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Upper Hunter Shire councillor Elizabeth Flaherty has been removed from office after being absent from three consecutive ordinary Council meetings.
A report prepared for an extraordinary Council meeting next Monday reveals that Ms Flaherty did not have a leave of absence to cover the last three consecutive ordinary meetings.
The report says neither the council nor the Office of Local Government have the discretion to overturn the legislative requirement to declare the office of Councillor vacant.
With elections just four months away. the Council will be asked to consider making an application to the minister to dispense with the need for a by-election, which would cost an estimated $125K.
Two-term Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan has announced she will not recontest the council’s top position in the upcoming NSW elections, citing the need for new energy and commitment.
Peter Ireland will run as the Serving Mosman mayoral candidate in the local government elections this September.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Mayor Corrigan still plans to run as a councillor in the 2024 election.
In Lismore, eight buildings damaged in the 2022 flood disaster are being demolished to ensure public safety and make way for new facilities.
Its been described as a key milestone in rebuilding Lismore in the wake of the disaster/
Buildings being demolished include the old Essential Energy building, the old Scout Hall, and the Humbley Oval Hockey Club Kiosk.
New modular amenities will be constructed at most sites, including a new toilet block at Lismore Lake and new structures at Sam Trimble Oval and Neilson Park.
QLD:
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has been targeted by cybercriminals who have created fake social media accounts in her name and are soliciting personal information and bank details from the public.
The Mayor and Sunshine Coast Council have reported the incidents to the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
The public is urged to be vigilant, not to engage with suspicious online communications, and to report any incidents of this nature.
Redland City Council is advocating for more support from the Australian Government at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.
The council has endorsed motions on five key issues.
They include a fairer application of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, restoration of local government Financial Assistance Grants, greater access to federal funding for infrastructure projects, a review of The Native Title Act 1993, and consultation and funding for local governments to support the National Recovery Plan for the Koala.
Mayor Jos Mitchell will attend the NGA to move and speak to the motions.
Gold Coast City Council is planning to approve more permanent beach bars to enhance the city’s tourism attractions.
However, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported that the council must first negotiate with the state government regarding land tenure at Kurrawa.
Other locations, from Coolangatta to The Spit, are also being considered for new beach clubs.
Mayor Tom Tate said the idea has received support from former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her successor Steven Miles, and that the council has been approached by multiple investors interested in the hospitality sector.
SA:
Adelaide City Council has denied media reports that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has searched the Council offices and seized documents.
The claims were made on FIVEaa’s Breakfast show, including the presence of a white BMW “with AFP signage on the dashboard”.
The council says that the AFP did not enter the Town Hall or seize any documents, and they had not received any AFP requests for access to council records.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith told InDaily that the suggestion of a document haul was an example of fake news.
WA:
Andrea Selvey has been appointed as the new CEO of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, moving from her current role as CEO of the Shire of Carnarvon.
MsSelvey, who has 16 years of experience in senior local government roles, was selected from 116 applicants.
She will assume her new role after serving her notice period at Carnarvon.
Temporary CEO Arthur Kryon will continue in the role until May 31, with directors at the Shire acting as CEO until Selvey begins full-time.
Keri Shannon, the former mayor of Town of Cambridge, has been appointed as the new CEO of the City of Nedlands for a five-year term.
MsShannon, who has over two decades of experience in various leadership roles, holds degrees in Law, Commerce, Applied Corporate Governance, and Local Government.
She has played significant roles in legal and corporate governance.
Mayor Fiona Argyle, who chaired the selection committee, praised Shannon as the best choice among 108 applicants.
National Briefs:
Sutherland Shire Council has opened applications for its next CEO, after the announcement that current CEO Manjeet Grewal is retiring after more than 30 years at the council, and more than five as CEO.
Applications close 27th May with LG management solutions.
A recruitment panel has been established by Cairns Regional Council to fill its vacant CEO position, after the resignation last month of Mica Martin.
The panel will consist of the mayors deputy mayor and two other councillors, with assistance from an independent third party.
An interim CEO is yet to be appointed, and applications have been invited through Peak Services until 9th May.
And the Shire of Gingin is recruiting for a new CEO, after the resignation last month of Aaron Cook after six years in the role.
The shire is in the wheatbelt of WA, and applications close with Mills Recruitment on 20th May.
Bundaberg Regional Council has formally opposed coal mining activity in environmentally significant and high-value agricultural areas.
The decision, which reaffirms a previous stance, comes in response to a Mineral Development Licence Application by Fox Resources.
The council’s opposition is based on the potential impact on agriculture and tourism, two major contributors to the region’s economy.
We note with sadness the passing of former City of Stirling councillor and two-time deputy mayor June Copley, OAM.
June served for 18 years as a Stirling councillor until 2007, and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government, sporting organisations and to the community of Balga.
Vale June Copley OAM.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Voters are going to the polls today to elect representatives in 107 local authorities in England, along with mayoral positions in London and 10 other regions.
The elections are viewed as a key indicator of public sentiment ahead of a general election.
The mayoral contests in Tees Valley and West Midlands are said to be particularly close and are being closely watched.
The Conservative Party is predicted to lose a significant number of the 1,000 seats it currently holds.
The names of councillors in Gloucestershire found guilty of misconduct are being kept from the public, with 13 concerns raised over the last year.
The Cotswold Journal reported that the identities and specific details of the complaints are not revealed unless a complaint progresses to a formal hearing.
While no complaints have reached a public hearing, a report suggests the matters related breaches of conduct, including offensive comments and excessive demands.
UK council chief executives have reportedly received a letter from government ministers, expressing concerns about issues in the funeral sector.
Councils say they need more powers and resources after being tasked with inspecting funeral directors, according to a report from local gov dot co dot uk.
The issue came to the fore in March when police launched an investigation into alleged malpractice at a business in Hull. The incident triggered mass inspections by Hull City and East Riding Council of every funeral director in Hull and East Yorkshire.
A Western Isles local authority Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar is facing costs of up to £500,000 to restore systems following a suspected ransomware attack in November.
The attack caused significant disruption to IT systems, delaying some bills including council tax, according to a report from BBC News.
The council’s chief executive said it could take six more months for systems to return to normal.
No evidence has been found of any data being published from the servers
USA:
Boston’s City Council has passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with an 11-2 vote according to GBH News.
The resolution calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an end to the bombing of Gaza, the release of all hostages and detainees, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The resolution also calls for members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to act in accordance with the resolution.
It follows similar resolutions passed by the city councils of Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford.
Chicago’s Mayor’s Advisory Council on LGBTQ+ Affairs and Pride organizers are opposing the city’s plans to scale down this year’s Pride Parade due to safety concerns.
CBS News reported that the city has capped entries at 125 groups, a 30% decrease from last year, due to reduced police staffing after the pandemic.
The advisory council and parade organisers are calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to restore the parade to its original capacity, emphasising its importance as a symbol of LGBTQ+ empowerment and visibility.
They also called for community discussions on proposed changes to any parade in Chicago.
Briefs:
Auckland Council is progressing with a top-tier leadership change proposal after staff consultations.
The changes include a reduction of two executive leadership roles and 14 roles in the top tiers and their support functions, with adjustments to reporting lines to foster collaboration.
Implementation of the new structure is planned for the end of June.
Los Angeles City Council has approved the creation of a Department of Homelessness, responsible for coordinating and overseeing the city’s efforts to address homelessness.
The unanimous vote will lead to a report on the best ways to create such a department, reports Fox LA News.
The goal of the department will be to improve coordination, enhance transparency, and dismantle organisational silos in the city’s homelessness programs.
There are reports out of England this week that the Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove may be about to send a police chief into Birmingham Council to investigate financial mismanagement.
The reports suggest that Mr Gove is considering the use of powers never used before to launch a police inquiry into the issues that led to the council issuing notices of effective bankruptcy.
NZ:
South Wairarapa Mayor Martin Connolly has been stripped of roles on various groups and committees by his fellow councillors, further isolating him within his own council.
The move was made at an extraordinary meeting held two days before the mayor was due to return from health leave, according to The Post.
Despite a unanimous vote of no confidence in October and concerns over his conduct, Connolly has vowed to continue in his role.
The council says its decisions were made in accordance with the Local Government Act and were aimed at maintaining stability and good governance.