By Cam Lucadou-Wells
CASEY Council and the state opposition have criticised ratepayers being charged $22,000 for a State Government municipal monitor that has given the council the all-clear.
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Inga Peulich said the government’s attempt to “destabilise” the council -and find a trigger to sack or suspend it – had backfired.
Ms Peulich said the government should reimburse Casey ratepayers.
“Only a Labor State Government could think it a good idea to spend approximately $25,000 of ratepayers’ funds to investigate a $2204.50 staff error, which was already repaid, when a simple phone call would have sufficed,” Ms Peulich said.
The municipal monitor Bill Jaboor was appointed by Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins in June after tabling a damning State Ombudsman’s report into Casey’s special charge scheme on Market Lane residents.
In his report, he found the council improved its decision-making processes for closing its meetings to the public and developed a consistent policy on community consultation for special charge schemes.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz said it was “disappointing the minister (Natalie Hutchins) slugged Casey ratepayers” for the monitor.
Cr Aziz said the council “moved swiftly” to complete the Ombudsman’s five recommendations within two weeks of the report being tabled.
He said Mr Jaboor identified “minor improvements” to the council’s governance process.
“The monitor’s findings vindicate council, confirming the City of Casey is a high functioning council that is working to the highest standards of governance and transparency.
“An open invitation also exists for the Minister to visit Casey to see all of the fantastic facilities and services being delivered by council to benefit the residents of Casey.” Ms Hutchins said she was sure “residents and businesses (in Casey) will welcome the conclusion of this matter”.
