Whittlesea council has welcomed the appointment of municipal monitor Steven Kingshott.
As reported by Star Weekly, Local Government Minister Nick Staikos appointed Mr Kingshott to council until 31 December, 2026, following a Commission of Inquiry into the council.
A report from the Commission of Inquiry, tabled in state parliament on 14 October, found the behaviour of suspended councillor and former mayor Aidan McLindon was “detrimental” to the council.
It also found there were shortcomings in the performances of the councillors, the chief executive and administration, and the deputy mayor that contributed to the problems at the Whittlesea.
“The City of Whittlesea welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the council and staff,” council said in a statement.
“The City of Whittlesea will continue to deliver the important services, programs and facilities its community needs, and the elected council will continue to represent the needs of the local community including through decisions made in the council chamber.”
Council said it would consider all elements of the Commission of Inquiry report in due course and would not provide further comment at this stage.
Mr Staikos said Mr Kingshott would support the council in addressing the inquiry’s findings and recommendations.
“The events at Whittlesea City Council are serious and culminated in a unanimous vote of no confidence in the mayor by Whittlesea’s 10 other councillors. It is clear that a municipal monitor is needed to assist the council’s administration,” he said.
“I expect the City of Whittlesea will use this opportunity to rectify the issues raised in the report – to reset and build a good governance framework that better serves ratepayers.”
Mr Staikos said the government would respond to the report in due course.
