The state government has today appointed municipal monitors to Darebin City Council.
Ms June Anstee and Mr Ross Millard commence today and will serve through the election of a new Council in October until the end of the year.
While the trigger for the appointment is unclear, the Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said the council needs support “to improve governance and better meet the needs of the community it serves.”
The Minister had previously appointed Mr John Watson as monitor between April 2022 and January 2023.
In a statement, the government said while the council has taken steps to address concerns raised in Mr Watson’s report, work is still needed to improve its governance practices and practices.
The Terms of Reference for the municipal monitors refers to outstanding actions to address findings and recommendations from the previous monitor’s report, as well as inter alia councillor relationships, councillor understanding of their statutory roles and responsibilities, health and safety processes, and support in the lead up to October’s elections.
Darebin City Council CEO Peter Smith issued a statement after the announcement of the appointment of the monitors, saying that the Council shares the Minister’s commitment to good governance, and that Councillors and the organisation will work together with the monitors to strengthen and improve practices.
About the monitors:
June Anstee is a solicitor and previous President of the Councillor Conduct Tribunal for Brisbane City Council.
Ross Millard brings financial and accounting expertise to the role, and previously held an investigations and compliance role with the Local Government Inspectorate in Victoria.