On the Local Government News Roundup for Monday 11th November 2024:
- The finish line in sight as more election results are announced
- Questions raised about a council’s controversial pre-election decision
- A council candidate arrested over allegations of campaign signage theft
- A poor workplace culture and a staffing crisis alleged at a NSW Council
- Pressure mounts on a former Tasmanian mayor
- Another code of conduct breach by a Hobart councillor
- A 78 year old activist hit with a 12 month ban from a South Australian council
- Council CEO and General Manager movements
- And a reprieve for the four day working week experiment at UK councils
Plus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 397:
Victorian Roundup:
Results for Greater Geelong City Council have been announced. Successful candidates are Ron Nelson, Emma Sinclair, incumbents Melissa Cadwell and Elise Wilkinson, incumbent deputy mayor Anthony Aitken, defeating fellow incumbent Sarah Hathway; former councillor and state MP Andrew Katos and Stretch Kontelj, Eddy Kontejl, incumbent mayor Trent Sullivan, Rowan Story and Chris Burson.
Six members of the new council have carried over from last term; two are former councillors making their return, and there are three new faces.
Former mayor Peter Murrihy was another incumbent to fall short in the final count.
According to the Geelong Advertiser, a recount for Connewarre Ward has been requested by Liberal candidate Angela Shearman who lost out to Elise Wilkinson by just five votes.
The results of the count at Wyndham City Council have been announced, with eleven successful candidates revealed today. They are Preet Singh, Robert Szatkowski, incumbent and former mayor Susan McIntyre, incumbent Jasmine Hill, Shannon McGuire, incumbent mayor Jennie Barrera, Maria King, incumbent and former mayor Peter Maynard, incumbent and former mayor Mia Shaw, Larry Zhao, and incumbent councillor and former mayor Josh Gilligan.
Heather Marcus has failed to be re-elected, and former state MP Andrew Elsbury fell short in his attempt to get elected to the council.
Two former mayors, Henry Barlow and Kim McAliney, were attempting a comeback but fell short in the ward contest that was won by Josh Gilligan.
After more than four years of administration, elected councillors will once again make up the council at the City of Whittlesea.
The successful candidates are Daniela Zinni, David Lenberg, Lawrie Cox, Stevan Kozmevski, Aidan McLindon, Jarrod Lappin, Blair Colwell, Christine Stow, Deb Gunn, Martin Taylor, and Nicholas Brooks.
Mr Cox and Mr Kozmevski are the only two members of the former council that was dismissed by the state government to stand for re-election.
Recounts have been completed in two wards at Casey City Council. The result is unchanged with Scott Dowling confirmed as the winner of Akoonah Ward, and Lynette Pereira confirmed as the winner of River Gum Ward.
The result of the final ward count in Moonee Valley has been announced. Fran Cosgriff is the successful candidate, and will take her place as part of a majority of new faces on the council.
42 of 78 Council results have been finalised.
We are awaiting preference counts for nine councils:
Ballarat – Golden Point Ward, North Ward, Wendouree Ward (3)
Frankston – Elisabeth Murdoch Ward, Kananook Ward, Lyrebird Ward, Pines Ward, Wilton Ward, Yamala Ward (6)
Manningham – Bolin Ward, Manna Ward, Ruffey Ward, Schramm Ward, Westerfolds Ward (5)
Maribyrnong – Burndap Ward, River Ward, Saltwater Ward, Sheoak Ward, Wattle Ward (5)
Merri-bek – Pentridge Ward, Randazzo Ward, Westbreen Ward (3)
Mornington Peninsula – Nepean Ward, Warringine Ward (2)
Port Phillip – Montague Ward, Port Melbourne Ward, St Kilda Ward (3)
Whitehorse – Elgar Ward, Kingsley Ward, Sparks Ward (3)
Yarra – Curtain Ward, Hoddle Ward, Langridge Ward, Lennox Ward, Melba Ward, Nicholls Ward, Yarra Bend Ward (7)
Provisional results have been announced for the remaining Councils with final declarations pending.
Some councils have moved to the swearing-in ceremonies very quickly. The new Yarra Ranges Shire Council was sworn-in on Saturday; Indigo Shire councillors will take their oath tonight.
And some analysis of early results, courtesy of the VLGA.
Of the first 200 Councillors elected:
- 51% are existing Councillors
- 39% are women
Of the first 25 Councils declared:
- 22 will include the sitting Mayor
- 13 will include the current Deputy Mayor
- 8 will have more women councillors than men
- 13 will have a majority of new Councillors
A controversial decision made by the City of Casey just prior to the election has sparked outrage, according to The Age.
A waste transfer station, located around 250 metres from homes, has been approved to process hundreds of thousands of tonnes of household waste annually for 25 years.
That’s despite new EPA guidelines recommending a 500 metre buffer zone.
The new facility, to be operated by Veolia, is key to a multi-council plan to convert non-recyclable waste into energy.
The decision is under fire from some residents and at least one of the newly elected Casey councillors. The Age
A Casey Council candidate was arrested for allegedly stealing his rival’s election posters, which were tracked using hidden AirTags.
A Current Affair looked into the theft allegations, leading to a Police arrest of Jaz Masuta, who was interviewed and released, and will reportedly be charged on summons.
The Age reported on how the dispute took a rather unsavoury twist, when Mr Masuta was served with a fake legal letter that demanded he provide a faecal sample as part of a sham criminal investigation.
Neither Mr Masuta, nor his rival Gurpreet Gill, were successful in their campaigns for Dillwynia Ward. *9Now ; The Age*
Some Councils have been included in the list of winners of this year’s Victorian Early Years Awards, announced last week by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn.
Mildura Rural City Council is a category winner, in partnership with Connected Beginnings Mildura; the Go Goldfields partnership involving Central Goldfields Shire has won in two categories; and a City of Ballarat partnership has been successful in the Collaborative Community Partnership category. Premier of Victoria
Sponsor Announcement: VLGA Mayoral Leadership Program
The VLGA has secured an impressive list of experienced trainers and facilitators to deliver its Mayoral Leadership Program on December 6, 2024.
These include
- Australia’s leading media training specialist and renowned journalist Doug Weller
- Highly credentialed Melbourne Lawyer and former mayor and councillor Tony Raunic
- Experienced workplace, industrial relations and employment lawyer Melissa Scadden who specialises in building exceptional and high-performance workplaces
- Governance expert and experienced Local Government professional Rhys Thomas
The leadership program is directly aligned with the mandatory regulatory requirements outlined by the Victorian Government and will provide mayors and deputy mayors with the skills they need to fulfil their respective roles with a high degree of competency.
Visit www.vlga.org.au to book your place today.
National Roundup:
NSW:
The abrupt departure of a director at Yass Valley Council last week has led to claims of workplace culture issues and a staffing crisis.
Lynette Safranek’s decision to leave the organisation reportedly came as a surprise to colleagues including General Manager Chris Berry.
About Regional reported that there were initial suggestions the decision was related to workplace culture issues.
Ms Safranek said that was not the reason but has not elaborated further.
It has led to the GM having to defend a reported “staffing crisis” at the council, with multiple vacancies and recruitment challenges.
Mr Berry maintains this is a common issue for regional councils due to budget constraints. About Regional
A parliamentary report has found that many council pounds in NSW are struggling with increased animal surrenders, citing cost of living pressures and puppy farming as key factors.
Two Western Plains councils, Brewarrina and Narromine, have confirmed a rise in animal surrenders, with Brewarrina hosting an RSPCA visit to address overpopulation.
The report makes 24 recommendations, including grants for desexing programs, financial support for low-income pet owners, and measures to reduce euthanasia rates in pounds. Western Plains App
Goulburn Mulwaree Council has appointed two Acting Chief Executive Officers for the upcoming months as part of their leadership transition.
Scott Martin will serve as Acting CEO from November 7, 2024, to January 12, 2025, followed by Marina Hollands from January 13, 2025, to March 1, 2025, ensuring continuity of council operations until a permanent CEO is appointed.
The appointments follow the resignation and departure this month of Aaron Johannsson after reports of an ‘untenable’ relationship with new Mayor Nina Dillon. Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Roger Bailey, the General Manager of Warrumbungle Shire Council, has resigned after serving since 2018.
His departure has been met with sadness from the Mayor and praise from councillors.
During his tenure, Bailey successfully navigated the council through various challenges, including an investigation by the NSW Office of Local Government, financial struggles, and extreme drought, transforming it into a high-performing organisation.
As reported last week, Mr Bailey has been appointed the interim general manager at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. Warrumbungle Shire Council
QLD:
Sunshine Coast Council has unveiled a controversial draft Shorebird Conservation Plan 2025-2030 proposes restricting public access to popular dog beaches for seven months each year to protect endangered shorebirds.
The Courier Mail reported that local dog owners are concerned about losing access to off-leash areas, after heated debate about off-leash dog zones at Point Cartwright last year.
The council is seeking community feedback before considering a final plan early next year. Courier Mail
Fraser Coast Regional Council has topped the nation in the Local Government Blood Drive for the second consecutive year, collecting 225 blood and plasma donations that potentially saved up to 675 lives.
The drive, which ran from July to September, saw over 6,000 donations collected nationally, with Queensland councils securing three of the top five positions, highlighting the state’s strong commitment to this life-saving cause. Fraser Coast Regional Council
TAS:
Pressure is mounting on former Launceston mayor Danny Gibson to address allegations of historical sexual misconduct.
Cr Gibson has not attended council meetings or publicly commented on the allegations since they were published in early September.
His fellow councillors are divided over what should happen next, with some including Mayor Matthew Garwood calling for his resignation while others support the need for due process.
When approached by the Launceston Examiner for comment, Cr Tim Walker called for an investigation into the use of public funds related to his case.
Hobart City councillor Louise Elliot has again been found to have breached the code of conduct, this time for unfair treatment and offensive behaviour towards a fellow councillor.
A panel determined that Cr Elliot’s social media activity, including reposting old tweets and failing to moderate offensive comments on her Facebook page, led to harassment and threats against Cr Ryan Posselt and his family.
The Hobart Mercury reported that Cr Elliott has been sanctioned and is required to undergo training on social media use.
It’s the third time she has faced repercussions for her social media conduct. Hobart Mercury
SA:
A 78 year old activist has been banned from meetings of Unley Council over comments described as unacceptable and vulgar.
The Sunday Mail reported that Mary Kolusniewski, a retired teacher, was escorted from a recent meeting, and later received a letter from the Council’s CEO Peter Tsokas banning her for 12 months.
She had been warned twice before the latest incident that her behaviour may result in a ban and a report to Police.
Ms Kolusniewski told the Advertiser that she believed she was being gagged from protesting against council decisions. Sunday Mail, 10/11/24
The District Council of Mount Remarkable has extended the term of its Acting CEO Martin Borgas out to December 2025.
Mr Borgas stepped in as the council’s Acting CEO five months ago, and in that time has achieved outstanding success in several critical business areas, according to Mayor Stephen McCarthy. District Council of Mount Remarkable
Barunga West Council has appointed Paul Simpson as its interim CEO from mid-January. The former Kangaroo Island infrastructure director has most recently been CEO at the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton. Barunga West Council
Mid Murray Council has announced the resignation of Councillor Kelly Gladigau as an Elected Member
Councillor Gladigau was elected in November 2022, and has resigned due to work commitments.
The Council will consider a report on the resulting casual vacancy at its November 19 meeting. Mid Murray Council
Global Roundup:
UK:
English councils now have the freedom to adopt a four-day working week after the Labour government dropped concerns raised by the previous Conservative administration.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s trial of a four-day week showed improved worker performance and significant cost savings, leading to the government’s decision to allow councils to manage their own workforce arrangements.
The Guardian reported that the move has been welcomed by the 4 Day Week Campaign, citing benefits such as increased worker happiness and easier recruitment for hard-to-fill roles. The Guardian
A full investigation is being launched into a bullying complaint against former Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp, who resigned in September following the allegation.
The complaint, made by council director Michelle Percy, will be examined by an external investigator, while Kemp maintains there is no case to answer.
The situation has led to political turmoil, with Kemp and five others leaving the Labour party, erasing its majority, and a vote of no confidence planned against the new leader amid concerns about the council’s culture. BBC News
Glasgow City Council has placed large warning stickers on gravestones in local cemeteries, sparking outrage among visitors who consider it disrespectful to the deceased.
The council defends the practice as a necessary safety measure and a means to contact families responsible for grave maintenance.
The BBC report shows photos of stickers over names in some cases informing of inspection that failed to meet required standards BBC News
USA:
Salem City Council in Oregon is set to vote on a motion to publicly censure two councillors, Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn, for alleged ethics violations during a land use hearing.
The motion, proposed by Mayor Chris Hoy, accuses the councillors of failing to recuse themselves from a vote involving a developer who donated to their campaigns, potentially violating the city charter.
In a twist, Julie Hoy is the mayor-elect after defeating incumbent mayor Chris Hoy in a primary election earlier this year. The Statesman Journal reported that the two are not related. Statesman Journal
CANADA:
A newly elected Mayor and four councillors in Canada have made headlines for refusing to swear an oath of allegiance to King Charles III.
UPI News reported that the councillors at Dawson City, Yukon are required to swear the oath under legislation, and failure to do so within 40 days may see their election voided.
The Mayor Stephen Johnson said it was a collective decision, and the group hopes its actions will lead to a change in regulation. UPI News