This appointment is the latest in a long list of direct State Government intervention in local government matters, rather than enabling councillors to independently make their own governance decisions and to deliver for their communities.
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur, said: "Making this decision just before Christmas is arrogant and disrespectful and will add further costs to already heavily charged ratepayers.
"While families are preparing for Christmas, Labor's appointment of monitors to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council lacks transparency and creates unnecessary uncertainty for ratepayers.
"Instead of constant intervention, the State Government must empower councils to treat their ratepayers appropriately by respecting their voting decisions and avoiding needless cost and regulatory burdens."
