Snowy Monaro Regional Council received advice from the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) on Monday 28 July 2025 that Councillor Andrew Thaler has been issued notice of his suspension from office, effective from 5 August 2025 for a period of three (3) months.
The suspension order, issued under section 440I(2)(d) and (g) of the Local Government Act 1993, further directs Cr Thaler to apologise for the misconduct in the manner specified in the order and to suspend Cr Thaler from civic office for a period of three months.
Within 14 days of the Order, Cr Thaler is directed to apologise for the misconduct in respect of breaches 3 – 9 as set out in the Departmental report dated July 2025, relating to his social media posts and videos on 12, 18, 25, 26 and 30 March 2025 under section 440I(2)(d) of the Local Government Act 1993. Information relating to the Orders issued under section 440I(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 can be found on the OLG website: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/misconduct-and-intervention/councillor-misconduct/deputy-secretary-decisions-orders-and-statements-of-reasons/
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 to the dates specified above and to be provided to Council for distribution to the wider community.
The suspension order will be the second order imposing a suspension for misconduct on Cr Thaler.
Quotes from Chief Executive Officer Noreen Vu
I thank the Office of Local Government for taking action. This suspension notice will allow me to continue the work undertaken by Mr Stephen Dunshea as Interim CEO on improving our work, health and safety measures for our staff, volunteers and elected councillors.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council has a zero tolerance to bullying and harassment. We trust that the Order is complied with in a respectful and dignified manner.
We will continue to provide support services to our staff who have been affected by Cr Thaler's misconduct.
