Monitor To Be Appointed To Horsham Rural City Council

A municipal monitor will be appointed to Horsham Rural City Council to support good governance processes and practices at the council.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne has appointed Steven Kingshott following governance concerns raised about Horsham Rural City Council. The council’s failure to meet the statutory deadlines for adoption of a budget is unprecedented in recent years.

Mr Kingshott brings significant experience to his role having most recently served as a monitor to Glenelg Shire Council. He will begin his term as monitor on 2 September 2024, with the appointment expiring on 30 June 2025.

Mr Kingshott has worked in senior positions with responsibility for organisational development and risk management at companies including ExxonMobil.

Municipal monitors appointed previously in Victoria have proven to be effective in helping councils make governance improvements, enabling them to serve their communities as required by the Local Government Act 2020.

The Allan Labor Government has passed reforms to the Local Government Act 2020 to improve culture, governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s councils.

The reforms introduce mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the Minister to address councillor conduct.

Further information about these reforms and the terms of reference for the municipal monitor are available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance.

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne

“Councils play a vital role delivering the services and infrastructure that Victorians rely on – Mr Kingshott will work with Horsham Rural City Council to improve and address its governance issues and better serve its community.”