- Published:
- Tuesday 18 February 2020
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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek
“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.”