The Victorian Government will today introduce a Bill to dismiss Casey City Council following a report from municipal monitor Laurinda Gardner that found clear evidence of significant governance failures at the council.
The report, to be tabled in Parliament today, found that:
• Councillors failed to effectively and transparently manage conflicts of interest
• Councillors had prioritised protecting their reputations ahead of the interests of the council
• Councillors failed to hold each other to account for their conduct at the council
• Councillors contributed to damaging the reputation of, and public confidence in, the council
The monitor’s report recommends the council be dismissed until after the local government elections in October 2020, making the next eligible election for Casey Council in October 2024.
An interim administrator will be appointed to ensure the functions of the council continue once the Bill receives Royal Assent.
The Local Government (Casey City Council) Bill 2020 currently before the Victorian Parliament will give ratepayers and residents greater confidence in their local councils by introducing stringent new governance, accountability and councillor conduct requirements.
In a statement today, Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek said: “We have accepted the recommendation of the Municipal Monitor to dismiss Casey Council.”
“Victorians expect and deserve the highest standards of governance and integrity from their local council – the monitor’s report has found clear evidence Casey has fallen short of those standards.
“This a very serious measure but it’s essential that Casey residents get a council that works in their interests.”
Casey Council was contacted by Minister Somyurek yesterday, ahead of today’s government announcement, and the council last night issued the following statement in the name of mayor Susan Serey.
“The Office of the Minister for Local Government, Adem Somyurek MP, and Local Government Victoria have this afternoon announced that tomorrow he will table the Casey Municipal Monitor’s report and subsequently introduce a Bill before Parliament to dismiss all Casey City Councillors.
“Unlike the opposition spokesperson, Tim Smith MP, who failed to contact me or any of my fellow Councillors on any occasion to seek any clarification or check his understanding of Council’s decisions and the Local Government Act, Minister Somyurek was both respectful and understanding of our situation and keen to be fully informed before a meeting of Cabinet today.
“The Bill needs to be passed by both the Legislative Assembly and the Upper House, and then receive Royal Assent for the Minister’s decision to take effect. Councillors will remain in their positions until the outcome is known.
“This has no impact on the immediate and day-to-day operations of the Council. Tomorrow night’s Council Meeting will continue as planned.”
