Tom Ingleton
Whittlesea’s suspended mayor and councillor, Aidan McLindon, has issued a scathing text message to the media this afternoon, vowing to address what he described as an “unprecedented dismissal of democracy” on the steps of the Victorian Parliament.
In the texted media alert, Mr McLindon said he would make a public statement at 4pm on Wednesday outside Parliament House, Spring Street, in response to press releases issued by the premier and local government minister earlier that day.
“I will be making a statement outside of the Victorian Parliament House, Spring Street today at 4pm in response to the Local Government Minister and Premier’s press releases in relation to the Governor in council directing me to stand down as the mayor of Whittlesea,” the message read.
“This is a very dark day for democracy in Victoria. I stand by my call for a Royal Commission into Local Government in Victoria.”
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced on Wednesday a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea council and the suspension of Mr Lindon for six months.
Mr Staikos said following a report from the municipal monitors appointed to the council that he had suspended Mr Lindon under the Local Government Act.
“I am satisfied this is necessary to protect the health and safety of the councillors and staff at Whittlesea City Council,” he said.
“This suspension will take effect from today, Wednesday, 16 April 2025 for a period of six months.
“For the duration of a suspension, Councillor McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor. This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.”
Whittlesea council released a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“Council welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the council and staff,“ it said.
“The City of Whittlesea will continue to deliver the important services, programs and facilities its community needs during the inquiry.“
The council said as a result of this suspension the position of mayor becomes vacant. In accordance with section 26 of the Local Government Act 2020 council is required to fill the mayoral vacancy within one month, to serve the remainder of the current mayoral term – until November 18, 2025.
Deputy mayor Daniela Zinni will perform the duties of the mayor until a new mayor is elected at a future council meeting.
During the period of suspension, the role of ward councillor for Kirrip will remain vacant and Mr McLindon will not receive any allowance and is eligible to return on October 17.
According to the state government, 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.
The minister considered information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff, the unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation and that councillors also called for the mayor to resign from the office of mayor and agreed to a vote of no confidence.
The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced soon.
