Whittlesea council will be scrutinised over the next four months, with the state government launching a Commission of Inquiry.
The inquiry was announced by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos on April 16 when he suspended former mayor Aidan McLindon for six months amid allegations of poor conduct and intimidating behaviour, and was launched by the minister on May 19.
It followed a vote of confidence in Mr McLindon by the city’s other councillors and his subsequent ban from council premises for occupational health and safety reasons.
According to the government, a Commission of Inquiry is held when serious governance failures are identified.
Mr Staikos determined that an inquiry into Whittlesea council with broad powers was necessary to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues within the council and identify necessary improvements to ensure it can function effectively.
The inquiry will be led by experience public sector leaders Prue Digby and Jim Gifford.
“We are taking immediate action to ensure the Whittlesea community can have confidence in their council,” Mr Staikos said.
“I welcome Prue Digby and Jim Gifford, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in leading this Commission of inquiry.”
Ms Digby has over 40 years’ experience across state and local government, while Mr Gifford has guided councils through complex reform processes, the government said.
The council will continue to operate during the inquiry, with findings to be handed down in September.
“Victorians deserve a council that represents their best interests and serves them with respect,” Mr Staikos said.
“We are ensuring our councils uphold these values.”
Whittlesea council has previously said it welcomed the Commission of Inquiry.
Mr McLindon said he was pleased the inquiry had been launch but was disappointed it would be “a cost borne by ratepayers”.
“As previously stated, the accusations against me are baseless. In time, and in the correct forum, the motivation for this character assassination will be made plain,” he said.
:It is my intention to focus the light on corrupt practices coupled with unsound governance to enact change for the benefit of not just the residents of the City of Whittlesea but to protect the foundations of democracy for al Victorians,”
Mr Staikos thanked outgoing municipal monitors Peita Duncan and Jude Munro who were appointed in Novembers to oversee the council and help prevent the recurrence of issues that led to the council’s dismissal in 2020.
Mr McLindon is eligible to resume his role as a councillor on October 17.
