Whittlesea council will be investigated by a Commission of Inquiry the state government has announced, while mayor Aidan McLindon has been suspended.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced on Wednesday a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea council and the suspension of Cr Lindon for six months.
Mr Staikos said following a report of receipt from the municipal monitors appointed to the council that he had suspended Cr 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.”
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.
Whittlesea council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway.
Mr Staikos said after receiving a letter co-signed by the 10 other councillors requesting urgent intervention, he has 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,” he said.
“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.”
MORE TO COME
