Commission Of Inquiry Into Whittlesea City Council

The Allan Labor Government is taking action to give residents of Whittlesea City Council confidence in their local government – following serious issues of governance and health and safety concerns at the council.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City
Council.

The inquiry will have broad-ranging powers to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues at the council.

The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.

To inform his decision, the Minister considered:

• Information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff

• The unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation

• That councillors also called for the Mayor to resign from the Office of Mayor and agreed to a vote of no confidence in the mayor

• The safety and wellbeing of Council staff and operations.

The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced in due course.

Whittlesea City Council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos

“After receiving a letter co-signed by 10 councillors requesting urgent intervention, I have determined that a Commission of Inquiry is needed.”

“The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented — including the unanimous no-confidence motion in the Mayor, and his subsequent ban from council premises for occupational health and safety reasons.”

“We want Victorians to have confidence in their local councils. This Inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community.”