Snowy Monaro Regional Council received advice from the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) on Monday 5 May 2025 that Councillor Andrew Thaler has been issued notice of his suspension from office, effective Wednesday 14 May 2025, for a period of three months.
The order under section 440I(2)(g) of the Local Government Act 1993 further requires that Cr Thaler formally apologise for acts of misconduct within 14 days.
The apology must be made in writing to individuals named in online comments that were posted to a social media account under Cr Thaler's control on 5, 6, 12 and 14 March 2025, and be provided to Council for distribution to the wider community.
Cr Thaler was given the opportunity to make a submission to the Office of Local Government prior to this disciplinary action being undertaken.
Quotes from Chief Executive Officer Stephen Dunshea:
'As CEO, I appreciate the OLG for taking action. This suspension notice will assist me in safeguarding the health and well-being of our staff and elected councillors.'
'Respect and decency are not negotiable. These principles must be upheld by each of us as public servants – people who serve the public – no matter our position within the structure of government or public administration.'
'Without respect and decency as the starting point, the position of local government within the community and in public life is put in jeopardy.'
