Today on the Local Government News Roundup for Friday, 21 June 2024:
- A councillor misconduct ruling leads to a three week suspension
- Victorian conduct reforms become law
- Dismay on the border over a hospital project delay
- Liverpool’s sacked CEO launches Supreme Court action
- Protestors ejected as tensions escalate on the Gold Coast
- A territory council dismissed
- A CEO becomes a GM
- A conduct matter dismissed in Queensland
- And another large NZ council votes to leave the sector’s peak body
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice, presenting LG Innovate: Artificial Intelligence Summit for the local government C-Suite at Peregian Beach in September.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 352:
Victorian Roundup:
Brimbank Councillor Maria Kerr has been suspended for three weeks, and ordered to make a series of verbal and written apologies after numerous findings of misconduct by an arbiter.
The application for arbitration from five Brimbank councillors, represented by Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic, related to the actions of Cr Kerr in council meetings last November and December, as well as email and social media activity.
Arbiter Dr Meredith Gibbs found that Cr Kerr showed little insight into the required standards of behaviour or the impact of her behaviour on fellow councillors and the reputation of the Council.
Dr Gibbs said Cr Kerr should undergo training to better understand council governance rules, and that she should develop and hone her skills in robustly prosecuting her political opinions in a manner that meets the requirements of the standards.
The three week suspension took effect from the tabling of the decision at the council’s meeting last Tuesday night.
At that meeting the Council also endorsed a response to the Local Government Minister, responding to concerns raised by municipal monitors about poor governance practices and decision-making, and behaviour impact negatively on the wellbeing of councillors and staff.
Councillors have committed to a ten point plan to address the issues raised.
Melbourne councils warn that new state government housing targets, requiring them to find space for millions of new homes, will fundamentally change their suburbs and necessitate massive infrastructure investment.
Data obtained by The Age reveals that no council in the greater Melbourne area has come close to building enough new homes to meet the new targets.
The Age spoke to all 31 greater Melbourne councils, and found 19 concerned about investment in infrastructure. Eight either expressed support for the targets or said they were still considering their position, and four did not comment or respond.
The state government has stated it is prepared to intervene if councils fail to find the required space.
The Local Government Amendment Bill has now made its way through the State Parliament and is awaiting Royal Assent.
Rhys Thomas at the VLGA has been providing regular updates on the bill’s passage, and reported that once finalised it will be the 20th version of the 2020 Local Government Act.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Heather Wellington says she will resign her position in August after 12 years on the council.
She told the Surf Coast Times that frustrations with the job and difficulties with the shire’s previous administration were the main motivations for the decision, and that she believes she has done as much as she can in her role.
Cr Wellington also served on the City of Greater Geelong between 2000 and 2004.
After months of community backlash, Yarra council has reversed its decision on a $2 million playground upgrade at Cambridge St Reserve in Collingwood.
The upgrade, which reduced the playground equipment to a single swing and gym bars, was criticised by some parents and residents as being uninviting for children.
Following receipt of a petition, the council has now voted to reinstate the original play equipment, with a budget of $250,000 allocated for the task.
The Mayors of border communities Wodonga and Albury are reportedly dismayed at news the redevelopment of the Albury hospital won’t be finished until 2030 at the earliest.
The Border Mail reported that a delay from original target date of 2028 was revealed in this week’s NSW state budget.
Albury Mayor Kylie King said the council would be seeking information about the extended timeline, while Wodonga Mayor Ron Mildren said the news confirmed his council’s concerns about the upgrade and its belief that the whole project needs a rethink.
An increase in the use of debt collectors at Greater Bendigo has prompted a proposal to remove the option to pay rates in full in February each year.
The Bendigo Advertiser reported that debt collector use had increased by 88 per cent year on year to deal with $4.3M in overdue payments.
Council officers have reported a large increase in the number of calls received in March from people who have had difficulty meeting the February payment date.
16,000 ratepayers currently use the payment in full in February option.
Councillors are expected to consider the issue at a meeting on Monday.
Loddon Campaspe region councils have received funding for a shared services model pilot, focusing on cybersecurity, procurement, and legal services.
The pilot, led by the City of Greater Bendigo, is financially supported by $50k from the state government, with a contribution from the Loddon Campaspe Group of Councils.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said supporting the sustainability of rural council’s is a key government priority
The program may be extended to other local government areas following evaluation of the pilot’s effectiveness.
Victorian Briefs:
Glen Eira Mayor Anne-Marie Cade has condemned the recent attacks on Australian politicians’ offices, including vandalism this week of Member for Macnamara Josh Burn’s office in St Kilda.
She said acts of intimidation or violence based on antisemitism, islamophobia or other religious or political motivations have no place in Australia or Glen Eira.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has launched an investment prospectus and a series of videos to attract potential residents, investors, and businesses.
The package includes a prospectus document with essential information for decision-making and videos featuring 19 locals sharing their experiences.
Swan Hill Rural City Council has adopted a 24-hour cat containment order to protect local wildlife and improve domestic cat wellbeing.
The order will officially commence on 1 January 2025, with full enforcement beginning on 1 July 2025.
The Victorian Government has launched a new round of road safety grants for councils.
Councils can apply for up to $100,000 in funding for projects that improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
The grants are part of the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Local Government Grant Program, which last year awarded over $2 million in grants across 38 councils.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Ousted Liverpool Council CEO, John Ajaka, has launched a Supreme Court action to contest his termination, according to a report this week from the Sydney Morning Herald.
The recent termination of Mr Ajak’s contract represents the 10th change of CEO at the council in the last eight years.
He was appointed to the position in December 2022.
The council’s hiring and firing practices, including Mr Ajaka’s controversial appointment and dismissal, are now under investigation by the Office of Local Government, which some insiders fear may trigger a suspension of the council by the local government minister.
The NSW peak body for councils has given the state budget a mixed reception, with some positive announcements as well as disappointments.
LGNSW President Darriea Turley welcomed the commitments of $5.1 billion for social housing, $37.4 million for the Office of Local Government, $3.3 billion for road repair, and $2 billion for bus services.
However, she said concerns remain about insufficient funding for infrastructure, water efficiency, and cost shifting onto local government.
Hugh Phemister, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Willoughby City Council, has been appointed as the Council’s permanent General Manager.
Mr Phemister, who was previously the Council’s Planning and Infrastructure Director, took over as Interim CEO following the retirement of CEO Debra Just in March.
The council resolved to change the title of the position to General Manager during the recruitment process to align with terminology in the local government act.
He has previously held senior executive roles in state government, and is a chartered accountant with experience in the private sector.
In a first for New South Wales, a City of Sydney trial will use maggots to consume food scraps collected from residents as part of a sustainable waste processing solution.
The trial, to commence later this year, aims to convert up to 600 tonnes of food waste into protein-rich animal feed and fertiliser over a 12-month period.
The process involves feeding food scraps to Black soldier fly larvae, which then produce manure that is processed into fertiliser, and the larvae themselves are processed into protein for animal feed.
More than 21,000 Sydney households are part of a food scraps recycling trial, which began in July 2019.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council has voted to proceed with a 22.5 percent rate rise next financial year.
The Goulburn Post said the decision followed lengthy debate at this week’s council meeting, and urging from some speakers to either defer or split the rate rise over multiple years.
QLD:
Queensland’s Office of the Independent Assessor has dismissed a referral from Toowoomba council’s deputy mayor regarding an incident involving a photo taken in council chambers.
Rebecca Vonhoff made the referral after admitting to taking the photo of Cr Kerry Shine apparently asleep during a meeting.
The photo was circulated on social media in what was believed to be an attempt to discredit him ahead of elections in March, but Cr Vonhoff denies sharing it outside the chamber.
In announcing that the OIA would not be pursuing the matter, Cr Vonhoff revealed that she had faced a torrent of abusive messages since the incident became public.
The OIA confirmed to the Toowoomba Chronicle that it wouldn’t be taking the matter further, as it could not identify a Toowoomba council policy that prevented a councillor from taking a photo during a meeting.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden abruptly ended a press conference when questioned about conflict of interest concerns regarding the appointment of the council’s interim CEO, John Andrejic, who was her former campaign advisor.
Mayor Eden refused to comment on whether she had been contacted by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
The Cairns Post reported that the CCC is now aware of the matter, but has declined to comment.
Cr Eden later said in a statement that she was not aware of any investigation and had not been contacted by the CCC.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been ejected from Gold Coast council chambers for the second time, demanding the severance of sister city ties with Netanya, Israel.
A petition on the issue was tabled at a recent meeting and referred to the council’s governance committee.
A report is expected in the coming months assessing the shared benefits of the agreement and whether there are grounds to sever ties.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that tensions escalated during this week’s meeting, with protesters chanting and Mayor Tom Tate ruling that disruptive behavior was unwelcome.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour has voted against his council’s budget, objecting to a 12.72% rate rise for ratepayers, which he deemed unfair.
The Fraser Coast Chronicle reported that he was the only councillor to vote against the budget.
Other councillors defended the budget, citing increased costs, reduced government grants, and the need to continue delivering essential services.
TAS:
Launceston City Council has endorsed a Homelessness Statement of Commitment, setting a vision for a united and cohesive approach to addressing homelessness in the city.
The statement was developed through a collaborative process with stakeholders, and was informed by current research into the issue.
Community feedback was gathered through a facilitated four-week consultation process.
The statement was endorsed at the same meeting that the council agreed to commence a process of developing an Inclusion Action Plan fo the LGBTIQA+ community.
WA:
A divide has formed in the City of Joondalup council over the powers of its CEO, James Pearson.
A review of Pearson’s delegations split the council members, with seven out of 13 calling for a reduction in his powers.
Motions to limit Pearson’s authority, including his ability to choose tenders, dispose of property, and authorize payments, were narrowly defeated.
Council members who voted to reduce Pearson’s powers have argued for more oversight and less delegation of power to the CEO.
NT:
The entire Barkly Regional Council has been dismissed following an investigation into bullying, inadequate oversight, and potential breaches of the law.
The Morley report, a 616-page document, found that the elected members did not understand their roles, failed to seek information before making decisions, and did not manage conflicts of interest properly.
The report criticised former chief executive, Emma Bradbury, for acting with a conflict of interest and manipulating elected members, allegations she denies.
The council’s former mayor, Jeff McLaughlin, was also implicated.
In announcing the dismissal, Local Government Minister Chansey Paech also said criminal charges remain an option.
National Briefs:
Byron Shire Council has introduced a ban on single-use decorations such as balloons, confetti, tinsel, and streamers in all council buildings, parks, and other public areas to protect native wildlife.
The ban, which came into effect on June 1, is part of a new policy on single-use packaging and materials for waste management.
South Burnett Regional Council has issued a warning to residents considering building a tiny home, advising them to ensure their homes meet Australian building standards to avoid costly modifications.
The council’s concerns stem from instances of non-compliant plumbing systems and gas installations in lower-cost housing options, such as modified containers and panel-type housing.
Balonne Shire Council and Moree Plains Shire Council have won an award for their cross-border collaboration in supporting the town of Mungindi, which straddles the border of Queensland and New South Wales.
The award, given at the 2024 New South Wales local government excellence awards, recognizes the councils’ joint efforts across a range of projects which have broken down border barriers.
The Blue Mountains Council has launched an interactive Mobility Map aimed at improving accessibility for all residents and visitors, particularly those with specific accessibility needs.
The map provides detailed information about accessible facilities and points of interest, enabling users to plan their journeys in advance.
Developed in collaboration with community members and accessibility experts, the Mobility Map is accessible via the Google app on mobile devices.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Christchurch City Council has voted to leave Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), a decision that could have significant economic implications for the city.
The move has been criticised by some councillors, who argue that it will deprive the city of the economic benefits of hosting the LGNZ’s 2025 conference and a potential $500,000 in annual savings from an LGNZ-led street lighting project.
The review of membership was prompted by an increase to its membership fee of more than $21k, bringing it to over $163k before GST.
The Press reported that the decision follows similar moves by several other councils, including Auckland, Greymouth, Kaipara, West Coast Regional and Westland.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has expressed disapproval of Wellington City Council CEO Barbara McKerrow for withholding information from elected councillors.
The issue arose amidst a proposal to sell the city’s stake in Wellington Airport, when Ms McKerrow reportedly implemented protocols limiting the information councillors received from officials.
The Post reported that Ms McKerrow has now withdrawn the protocols due to confusion and anxiety, despite maintaining they were a fair means to streamline the supply of confidential information.
Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark is set to be asked to resign following yet another code of conduct complaint, this time related to his behavior at a United Fire Brigades’ Association event in March.
Mayor Clark, who has previously courted controversy for his use of racial slurs on national television, was accused of mocking, disrespecting, and degrading attendees.
Radio New Zealand reported that while he has apologised and claims health issues have affected his behavior, many, including the Southland Business Chamber, believe his resignation is necessary for the city’s reputation.
CANADA:
Following a ransomware attack on Hamilton’s municipal IT network, the Ontario city has implemented multifactor authentication (MFA) as an added layer of cybersecurity protection.
The measure was part of what was described in the Hamilton Spectator as a “massive blitz” to address uneven cybersecurity applications across the city.
The city is continuing to recover from the ransomware attack, which affected various operations, but no ransom has been paid and no evidence of compromised sensitive data has been found.
UK:
Baggy Shanker, the leader of Derby City Council, has been replaced by his deputy, Nadine Peatfield, following a vote of no confidence.
The motion was tabled by opposition councillors citingconcerns over the costs of a new waste treatment facility, according to a report from the BBC.
Mr Shanker, who is also the Labour party’s candidate for the Derby South constituency in the upcoming general election, has accused the opposition parties of political opportunism.
USA:
Local governments in the US, facing revenue losses due to the decline of cable TV, are pushing to tax internet services in the same way as cable TV – a move that could generate as much as $3.75B in revenue for local government.
Baltimore, which reported a $1.3 million deficit last year due to reduced cable TV revenue, and Portland, Oregon are among those reporting falling revenues from cable tv and pushing for the ability to tax internet services in the same way.
The FCC has previously resisted such efforts, but if it does permit taxation of internet services like cable TV, it could increase internet prices by an estimated 5%.