Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
The Darebin Municipal Monitor’s report released;
Greater Geelong gets the green light to recommence its CEO recruitment process;
A concerted campaign to disrupt council meetings continues around the country;
A councillor ordered to apologise for social media comments, while another has their sanctions repealed…at least for now;
There’s senior executive appointments and councillor election news;
A proposed council name change criticised;
And much, much more news ahead in this catch-up edition of the Local Government News Roundup.
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Transcript (with story links where available):
Hi everyone – the Local Government News Roundup is back after a short hiatus.
This is Chris Eddy, coming to you from the land of the Wadawurrung People with the latest council news.
In this edition:
The Darebin Municipal Monitor’s report released;
Greater Geelong gets the green light to recommence its CEO recruitment process;
A concerted campaign to disrupt council meetings continues around the country;
A councillor ordered to apologise for social media comments, while another has their sanctions repealed…at least for now;
There’s senior executive appointments and councillor election news;
A proposed council name change criticised;
And much, much more news ahead in this catch-up edition of the Local Government News Roundup.
Thanks for joining me for the podcast – brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Victorian Roundup:
Here are some of the Victorian council related stories making news since our last podcast.
The Darebin City Council Municipal Monitor’s report has been released by the Minister for Local Government.
Monitor John Watson was appointed last April in response to a range of governance concerns, with his term concluding in January.
The issues included alleged bullying between councillors, alleged failures to comply with conflict of interest requirements, and concerns about the process to appoint a Chief Executive Officer.
Here are just some of the monitor’s observations.
They included the existence of 15 separate formal Code of Conduct applications for internal arbitration between April and December 2022, and another eight that had lapsed prior to that time.
The costs of councillor behaviour have been conservatively estimated to be in excess of $600,000, including code of conduct matters, governance legal advice, and the cost of high staff turnover.
Mr Watson also initially observed poor and clumsy decision-making processes at Council meetings, and a small number of matters on which the Council was deeply divided.
He said he did not observe bullying behaviour as had been alleged, but did see some robust debate that was appropriately handled by the mayor/
There was behaviour observed, including through the use of social media, that in the monitor’s view caused distress to staff and damage to the Council’s reputation.
The monitor found no evidence or reason to think that Councillors had failed to declare conflicts of interest.
He describes unreasonable expectations by councillors of staff to respond to their requests, and said the impact of councillor behaviour on the staff and organisation has severely damaged the council’s reputation as an employer.
With regard to the council’s financial circumstances, the monitor describes them as not healthy, raising serious concerns about its priorities and financial stewardship. He said without some difficult and potentially unpopular decisions, the city’s financial sustainability is threatened within the next few years.
Mr Watson has made a number of recommendations to the Minister, including the expansion of sanctions available to an arbiter; measures to enable more timely resolution of Code of Conduct matters; advice for councils on the purpose and governance of councillor briefing meetings; and an additional annual Auditor General review of progress towards financial sustainability.
In announcing the release of the report last week, Minister Melissa Horne said the council had provided a Good Governance Action Plan outlining how it will improve governance practices by supporting cultural change, and professional development to improve councillor performance.
Source: Minister for Local Government Media Release; Darebin Municipal Monitor’s Report
At Greater Geelong City Council, a recommendation by municipal monitors Prue Digby and Peter Dorling that the council proceed with its search for a new CEO has been accepted by the Minister for Local Government.
Minister Horne said the appointment process will play a major role in restoring good governance to the city.
The process was put on hold pending the advice from the monitors, after concerns about the process were raised with the Minister by the Local Government Inspectorate.
The monitors are in place until next January, and they will continue to oversee the CEO appointment process and other governance matters during that time.
Source: Minister for Local Government
In more news out of Greater Geelong last week, the council announced it will be withdrawing its membership of the G21 alliance from April next year.
The Council made the decision in a confidential session last week, and has cited the membership cost of more than $500,000 per year and other associated costs as the primary reason.
Mayor Trent Sullivan and Acting CEO Kaarina Phyland have resigned their positions on the G21 Board.
Source: Greater Geelong City Council
The news comes in the same week that the Council released its proposed budget, with a number of projects removed from the four-year budget and put on hold.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said the council was being financially responsible in a challenging economic climate, with the organisation facing a forecast $8M deficit in the current financial year.
Source: Greater Geelong City Council
One of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, Wyndham City Council, has released its draft budget, which includes more than $38M on road construction and renewal and active transport measures, as part of a $268M capital works program.
Borrowings are forecast to increase from $15M to almost $68M by June next year
Source: Wyndham City Council
It’s been a tough few weeks for some Councils which have been targeted by a concerted campaign to disrupt council meetings.
The Age and other outlets have reported on how disruptions have led to the closing of the public gallery indefinitely at Yarra Ranges, and the cancellation of drag queen events in Casey in accordance with a Victoria Police threat assessment.
A meeting of Monash City Council was targeted by an unruly group of around 190 protesters last week, wanting a planned drag story time library event to be cancelled.
Councillors refused to bow to the pressure and maintained support for the event, after being labelled paedophiles, and with calls for them to be sacked and arrested.
At Whittlesea, it was reported that Victoria Police had advised the use of security at recent meetings.
Banyule is another Council believed to have been targeted, along with a growing number of interstate councils, including Blue Mountains. More on that in the National Roundup ahead.
MAV President David Clark told the Age that 15 councils had reported disruptions to meetings by members of the My Place network.
The Victorian Local Governance Association said the intimidation and abuse being directed at councillors and staff was undermining democratic processes, by making it harder for councillors to represent their communities safely.
It said it was supporting councils to take appropriate precautions to ensure staff, councillor and community safety.
Source: The Age 1; The Age 2; Victorian Local Governance Association
Ballarat City Council has reappointed its CEO Evan King on a new four year contract, with a one year option.
Mayor Des Hudson said the decision was a vote of confidence in Mr King’s leadership, which has provided much needed stability for the organisation.
Mr King was initially appointed in early 2021 after a period of interim leadership. His new contract became effective on the 19th April.
Source: Ballarat City Council
A councillor at Gannawarra Shire Council in northern Victoria has been found guilty of misconduct by an arbiter, and directed to make a public apology.
The Council sought the arbitration process after comments by Cr Garner Smith on social media about the actions of AFL footballer Dustin Martin last year.
Arbiter Yehudi Blacher said it was apparent Cr Smith was not aware of his obligations as a councillor in relation to public statements on social media, and directed that he undergo specific training in the proper use of social media to the satisfaction of the Mayor.
Cr Smith subsequently provided a written apology, which has been published in the minutes of the Council’s 19th April meeting. In his apology, he claims that the arbitration process prevented him from asking the complainants to justify their accusations and said there was no option to appeal the decision.
While he names Crs Jane Ogden and Mayor Charlie Gillingham, it is noted the matter was referred to the Principal Conduct Registrar by resolution of the Council.
Cr Smith also states his interpretation of the decision that an apology would not have been necessary if he noted his role as a councillor in the postings and stated the views were strictly his own option (sic). It is assumed he meant to say opinion.
He had tried to argue to the arbiter that his comments were made in a private capacity, rather than in his councillor role – an argument that was not accepted by the arbiter on the basis that Cr Smith’s Facebook page clearly states his councillor position.
Source: Gannawarra Shire Council
Manningham City Council has decided to exit the provision of in-home aged care services, effective 1st November.
Mayor Dierdre Diamante said the Commonwealth Government changes to the system meant the new model is beyond the council’s scope and capability.
It is understood that nearly 50 of the state’s 79 councils have now decided to transition out of the in-home aged care system.
Source: Manningham City Council
Now in today’s Victorian Briefs:
A heritage listed Methodist Church in the City of Whittlesea has been preserved and relocated from Wollert to Mernda.
The future of the Carpenter Gothic-style church, built in 1878, was under a cloud due the planned upgrade of Epping Road by the Victorian Government.
Whittlesea Council and Major Road Projects Victoria partnered on the preservation, disassembly and rebuilding of the historic church, which has now been officially unveiled in its new location.
Source: City of Whittlesea
One of the state’s smallest councils, Towong Shire, has resolved to fly the Rainbow Flag for the first time this month on IDAHOBIT Day, which is on 17th May.
The council will also develop a framework for a community driven LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group.
The actions were developed in consultation with the Rainbow Local Government group.
Source: Towong Shire: Rainbow Local Government
An aim to be one of the most EV-friendly cities in Australia underpins a new policy adopted last week by Mildura Rural City Council.
The Council says the policy provides clearer direction for the continued expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the region, driving investment and encouraging a coordinated rollout of the infrastructure.
Source: Mildura Rural City Council
A count back to fill a vacancy on Southern Grampians Shire will be conducted on 15th May by the VEC.
The procedure is required to replace Greg McAdam who resigned last month for health reasons.
Procurement Australia has announced the departure of its CEO of 10 years, Joe Arena, who has finished with the organisation effective 24th April.
Chair and City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson paid tribute to Mr Arena on his achievements during 10 years of service.
The organisation has appointed Brendan Hoare as interim CEO to ensure business continuity.
Source: Get The Word Out
Some other media stories you might like to check out…
Merri-bek Council has knocked back two seven storey developments in Brunswick, one of which was expected to provide 10 per cent of units for single women over the age of 55. The ABC reports on the council’s call for a scaling back of that development, and the developer’s frustration and disappointment with the decision.
The Age has a report on the looming decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria, which is being welcomed by sex workers. But it says many councils are not equipped for their new responsibilities.
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National Roundup
Now for some of the stories making local government news from around Australia:
In NSW, a far-right group has disrupted the vote on a Council’s motion to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Two councillors from Blue Mountains City Council brought forward a motion which included flying the Rainbow flag and committing funding support for the upcoming IDAHOBIT Day.
Mayor Mark Greenhill told the Star Observer that some councillors felt unsafe with the group present, and it was agreed to push the motion quickly through the meeting without debate.
Doing so removed the opportunity for the so-called relatives of the Freedom Movement to interject and interrupt proceedings. It is said the tactic left the group confused and unhappy.
Source: Star Observer
A Liverpool City Council decision to change its name is attracting criticism from some quarters.
Channel 10’s The Project, and news.com.au, are among those reporting that the Council has decided to become the City of Liverpool, in a bid to be seen as the third CBD of Sydney, after the City of Sydney and the City of Parramatta.
One Labor MP has labelled the move an “exercise in vanity” but the idea has been defended by Mayor Ned Mannoun as necessary to recognise the city as a tier two CBD, with a local GDP of over $12B.
The Council is investigating the process and cost, with initial estimates put at $350,000.
Source: The Project; News.com.au
Snowy Monaro Regional Council has declined to offer its CEO a contract extension, and will conduct a recruitment process in the coming months.
Peter Bascomb joined the council as Acting General Manager in 2018, with more than 20 years of senior executive experience in local government.
While Mayor Narelle Davis praised the transformational work of Mr Bascomb, she said councillors felt it best to go to market to find the organisation’s next leader.
Source: Snowy Monaro Regional Council
To Western Australia next, where the City of Mandurah has appointed Casey Mihovilovich to the CEO position – the first such appointment in 20 years.
Ms Mihovilovich will succeed Mark Newman who is stepping down in July after two decades in the position, and 30 years with the city.
She has been the council’s Director Business Services since 2019.
Source: City of Mandurah
The recent release of the Federal Government’s Defence Strategic Review has been met with frustration at WA’s City of Cockburn.
The council described the review’s failure to acknowledge or agree to the review’s strong support for dry berth infrastructure as perplexing.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the absence of such a commitment, which was promised by the previous government, threatens to severely restrict the crucial evolution of Henderson’s critical role to support the future of the Australian Defence Force.
The Henderson shipbuilding precinct is already home to Australia’s largest marine industry, and poised to become a major national and global centre for blue economy industries.
Mayor Howlett said a number of major opportunities to benefit Western Australia and the nation will not be able to be achieved without the addition of a dry berth and strategic road upgrades.
Source: City of Cockburn
With WA’s Council elections now less than six months away, a number of sitting mayors are declaring their intentions, and others…not so much.
Perth Now has done a roundup, headed by the news that Belmont Mayor Phil Marks will likely not recontest the position after more than a decade in the role. He says it is due to the health of his wife and himself.
Greg Milner at South Perth, with one term almost complete, is intending to put his hand up again; as is Karen Vernon at Town of Victoria Park.
Filomena Piffaretti is looking to hold onto the mayoral role but will need to be popularly elected this time around at the City of Bayswater.
And Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has previously indicated he will be standing for re-election.
The mayors of Nedlands and Town of Cambridge, Fiona Argyle and Keri Shannon have declined to indicate their intentions at this time; and President of Peppermint Grove Rachel Thomas is considering her options after 12 years the position.
Source: PerthNow 1; Perth Now 2
Launceston’s Mayor, Danny Gibson, says an expansion of the University of Tasmania stadium will cement its reputation as one of the best regional sporting facilities in the country.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week announced a $65M funding commitment, matching a state contribution announced in January.
The stage two redevelopment and expansion will improve the amenity of the ground and the seating capacity, which Cr Gibson said is a priority from the Council’s perspective.
Source: Launceston City Council
Now to Queensland, where Moreton Bay Regional Council is a step closer to becoming Australia’s newest city.
A request from the council to be reclassified as a city has received the support of the Local Government Change Commission.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the next and final step is for the State Government to consider the recommendation.
Source: Moreton Bay Regional Council
A March decision to order social media training for one its councillors has been walked back by Townsville City Council, after a claim that Cr Fran O’Callaghan had been denied natural justice in proceedings.
The Council ordered an independent investigation, which found Cr O’Callaghan had engaged in inappropriate conduct, and warned her that future breaches would be treated as misconduct.
According to the Townsville Bulletin, Cr O’Callaghan claims she was treated unfairly, with her lawyers stating that she was not given sufficient opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Last week, the Council resolved to repeal its earlier decision pending the receipt of further information from Cr O’Callaghan in response to the alleged breaches ahead of further consideration at its May Council meeting.
Source: Townsville City Council, 27/4/23
And at Gympie, concerns about the council’s financial management have been raised by the Queensland Audit Office.
A letter from the QAO was made public last week highlighting multiple deficiencies within the council’s processes last financial year.
The Courier Mail reported that the concerns include a financial payment to an unidentified senior executive, who left the organisation before the expiry of their employment contract.
The letter said the payment was addition to the normal termination payout provided for in the contract, and recommended a policy be established to manage the risk of such payments in the future.
The auditor also flagged a $17.5M understatement of land and building assets, and $18.4M of capital works projects that were finished but not yet listed in the council’s assets register.
Source: Courier Mail, 27/4/23
Briefly:
The Rural City of Murray Bridge has appointed its assets and infrastructure general manager Heather Barclay as its acting CEO, taking over from Michael Sedgman who resigned in March and finishes on the 12th May.
Ms Barclay will take over on 15th May, and serve in the role until the commencement of a new Chief Executive Officer.
Source: Murray Bridge Rural City
The Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans, has won this year’s Joy Baluch Award – an LGASA award recognising outstanding female council leaders.
Mayor Evans has been mayor since 2014, and recently completed a term as President of the South Australian Local Government Association.
Source: City of Charles Sturt
There’s a new councillor at Scenic Rim in Queensland.
Amanda Hay was the successful candidate at a recent by-election, and has been sworn into office by CEO David Keenan.
Source: Scenic Rim Regional Council
Ipswich City Council has appointed Cr Russell Milligan as its new Deputy Mayor for the last year of the current Council term.
Cr Milligan takes over from Cr Jacob Madsen who has completed his one-year rotation in the role.
Source: Ipswich City Council
Meanwhile at Logan City Council, Cr Laurie Koranski steps into the deputy mayoral role due to the expiry of Cr Natalie Willcock’s one-year term.
Cr Koranksi has stepped down from her role as Chairperson of the Council’s City Lifestyle Committee.
Source: Logan City Council
Some other media stories you might like to check out…
The ABC is reporting on the potential for significant rate increases in South Australia. It says some councils are looking to increase rates by as much as 8.9 per cent.
At least two Australian councils have introduced or are considering introducing a four day working week. The ABC has details from Western Downs Regional Council, and Lockyer Valley Regional Council in Queensland.
International Spotlight:
Now for today’s International Spotlight:
It’s the week of council elections in England, with more than 8,000 seats to be contested across 230 Councils on the 4th May.
There are also some mayoral elections taking place this week, while in Northern Ireland, 11 council elections will be held on the 18th May.
Scotland and Wales are not having elections at this time.
Source: BBC News
As those elections approach, a council leader from Warrington Borough has been accused of giving a false statement ahead of the 2021 local elections.
Labour Leader Russell Bowden denies the accusation that he gave a wrong address so voters would see him as a “local man”.
He has been charged with electoral malpractice, three charges of providing false information for a purpose connected with the registration of electors, and one charge of a false statement to a returning officer.
The BBC reports that Cr Bowden has submitted that the address given was his permanent address, but he had moved out due to marital problems.
The court has been told that Council records show he moved out of the property in June 2019.
The trial is nearing its end, with closing statements from the prosecution and defence issued last week.
Source: BBC News; Warrington Guardian
A trial of a four day working week at a UK council is set to be extended after an overwhelmingly positive response.
South Cambridgeshire Council is the first in the UK to try the idea with a three month pilot that started in January.
The Guardian reports that 450 mainly desk-based employees have had the option of taking Monday or Friday off, with the expectation of being more productive on the other four days and with no effect on pay.
A report on the trial to be considered this week recommends a 12 month extension, and the commencement of a three month trial for workers in refuse collection.
Source: The Guardian
A city council member in Omaha, Nebraska has been indicted on charges of fraud and influence peddling.
According to the Nebraska Examiner, Council Member Vinny Palermo was indicted along with three other men on a variety of charges, including allegedly receiving benefits such as a trip to Las Vegas, in exchange for official acts to aid two police-associated groups in the city.
The alleged benefits also include discounted concrete work on his backyard pool.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has called for Palermo’s resignation, despite it not being required because of the indictments – unless he was to miss several council meetings. The mayor’s office said pretrial incarceration on a federal indictment is not an excusable absence.
In 2019, Palermo was fined and sentenced to four years probation for failing to file income tax returns for three years.
Source: Nebraska Examiner
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That’s the latest from the Roundup for the 2nd May 2023.
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The Local Government News Roundup is recorded in the city of Greater Geelong, Victoria, on the land of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of this Land, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
I’ll be back soon with more of the latest local government news. Until next time, thanks for listening, and bye for now.