By Laura Michell
Whittlesea councillors have spent more than $500,000 on legal disputes between councillors and council’s former chief executives, a report by municipal monitor Yehudi Blacher has revealed.
In his report to the state government, which will be tabled in Parliament today, Mr Blacher said councillors have “failed to provide stability” in the council’s senior leadership with five chief executives in five years.
The council first moved to change its senior leadership in April 2016, when former chief executive David Turnbull’s contract wasn’t renewed after nine years in the job. Former CFA chief executive Michael Wootten was appointed to the role.
But in March 2017, after just 11 months in the job, Mr Wootten was also shown the door. No reason for his dismissal was provided.
In July 2017, the council appointed former Victoria Police chief Simon Overland as chief executive. But in November last year, Mr Overland took indefinite leave from the council amid concerns about his health and wellbeing. He blamed the behaviour of councillors for his decision.
Former Geelong council boss Kelvin Spiller was appointed as the council’s acting chief executive. Three weeks later, councillors sacked Mr Overland. They have not provided a reason for his dismissal.
In February, Mr Spiller announced he would be departing the council, due to personal and business commitments from March.
Former Manningham council boss Joe Carbone was then named as acting chief executive, for up to 12 months.
Mr Blacher’s report said the revolving door of chief executives has cost ratepayers more than $500,000 in legal fees.
The report also found that council’s “deep divides and personality conflicts” have “rendered it dysfunctional”, and that councillor behaviour has not been consistent with the Councillor Code of Conduct.
The report stated that councillors have caused significant harm to the council’s administration and reputation.
Mr Blacher found that there have been serious governance failures at the council.
He has recommended the state government immediately dismiss the council and replace it with administrators until 2024.
The state government said an interim administrator will be appointed to ensure the functions of the council continue once the council is dismissed.
Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova has been approached for comment.
