- Minister for Local Government
The Bill to dismiss the South Gippsland Shire Council has passed Parliament and the Councillors will be replaced by an interim administrator after Royal Assent is given.
The Andrews Labor Government acted swiftly on the recommendation of a Commission of Inquiry into South Gippsland Shire Council to dismiss the council.
The Local Government (South Gippsland Shire Council) Bill 2019 provides for the dismissal of the council and appointment of administrators, who will act as the council in the best interests of ratepayers until October 2021, when elections will he held.
The Inquiry's report found a high level of discord, conflict and tension between the councillors had negatively impacted on the council's performance, the councillors' decision-making, councillor-staff relationships and council's reputation.
The Government will move quickly to give ratepayers certainty around the Shire's governance and accountability in the immediate term, by appointing an interim administrator before establishing a full panel.
Administrators will be in place for at least two years to restore the level of good governance rightfully expected by the South Gippsland community.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek
"This is not a decision we took lightly, the Commission of Inquiry highlighted serious failures at South Gippsland Shire Council which required dismissal."
"We will now work towards rebuilding the council to ensure it can provide the first class services and representation the local community deserves."
