- Minister for Local Government
The Andrews Labor Government will today introduce a Bill to dismiss the South Gippsland Shire Council following the final report from a Commission of Inquiry into the council.
Dismissal of a council by Parliament is only considered in the most serious cases of governance failure.
The report of the Commission of Inquiry recommends that the Council be dismissed and that general election be held in October 2021.
In making this recommendation the Commission of Inquiry found:
- Continuing high levels of tension between Councillors has impacted heavily on the Council's performance and reduced the respect for, and the standing of, the Council in the community
- The conflict has also had a detrimental impact on decision-making by Councillors
- The resignations of six Councillors has weakened the Council's legitimacy.
The Local Government (South Gippsland Shire Council) Bill 2019 will give ratepayers certainty around the Shire's governance and accountability in the immediate term by appointing an interim administrator before establishing a panel of three.
The Government will also consider other measures for the Council to implement to deliver the level of good governance rightfully expected from its ratepayers.
As noted by Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek
"We have accepted the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry to dismiss the Council until October 2021."
"The dismissal of the Shire will ensure that residents, ratepayers and business of South Gippsland get a Council that functions in their best interests."
