By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
TWO state municipal groups have spoken out against the State Government’s “heavy handed” appointment of a short-term watchdog to look over Casey Council.
The monitor, appointed by Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins, will oversee Casey for up to 12 weeks after a damning Victorian Ombudsman’s report into the council’s use of a secret meeting to increase a special charge on 37 Narre Warren South residents.
Victorian Local Governance Association president Sebastian Klein said the monitor’s appointment was “without merit” given Casey had “been quick to acknowledge the matters at hand”.
In response to the report, Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins announced the council will be overseen by the monitor for up to 12 weeks.
Cr Klein said it was a missed opportunity to have a “more reasoned and constructive conversation” on the council’s use of confidentiality.
“What’s more, at no point has the Minister picked up the phone and discussed this matter with the council.
“You have to ask the question whether this is more about publicity than it is about a fair and reasonable response.”
Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur said the matters of fairness and transparency raised by the Ombudsman were important but the monitor’s appointment was a “significant step”.
“It’s disappointing that the council wasn’t first given the chance to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations, before such a decision was taken by the Minister.”
The ombudsman’s report released on 22 June found Casey had acted unjustly – and in part illegally – over increasing interest rates on a special charge scheme on 37 Narre Warren South residents.
Among the issues was the council use of a meeting closed to the public to make the decision, without giving residents a chance to object.
The council ranks highest for decisions made in closed meetings (37 per cent) in 2014/15. The figure was triple the statewide average.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz had labelled the monitor’s appointment as “over the top” and a “political move”.
Ms Hutchins, in announcing the monitor, said she was taking action so “ratepayers get the transparency they deserve”.
Most of the affected property owners were against the charge to seal Market Lane in Narre Warren South – initially between $15,000 and $20,000 each, plus interest on a 15-year instalment plan.
As a result of the secret interest change, the amount payable increased by 23 per cent, the Ombudsman’s report stated.
The Ombudsman recommended Casey consider refunding the increased interest, and releasing all minutes and documents relating to the closed meeting.
Casey Council is set to consider those recommendations at a meeting on 5 July.
