Commissioners appointed to investigate Geelong council

Commissioners have been appointed by state government to investigate the City of Greater Geelong.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today appointed an independent Commission of Inquiry.
The Commission will comprise Mr Terry Moran AC, Ms Jude Munro AO and Ms Frances O’Brien SC who will inquire into the adequacy of the current governance structures at the council.
Their investigation runs until 31 March 2016.
The announcement comes after Susan Halliday’s Workplace Cultural Review which found significant concerns relating to current culture and structures.
Ms Hutchins said the inquiry would look at a the amount of clarity in the roles and responsibilities at all levels within Council.
It would also consider the efficiency and effectiveness of governance arrangements in delivering services to constituents as well as issues raised by the Halliday report.
Ms Hutchins said the commissioners would have broad ranging powers including summoning witnesses, requiring the production of documents and full access to the Council and its documents.
She said Mr Moran brought considerable public administrative experience to the inquiry.
Ms Munro is a former Council CEO and Ms O’Brien is a barrister experienced in the interviewing of witnesses and the forensic examination of evidence.
“The Halliday Report revealed some deep flaws in the Geelong City Council,” Ms Hutchins said.
“Whilst the Council put plans into action to reform the organisational culture it is incumbent on the State Government to take action to ensure the city has the first class governance it deserves.
“I want to make sure that the Council is set up to provide the leadership necessary to ensure this never happens again and it is held accountable.”
Mayor Darryn Lyons said he welcomed the independent Commission of Inquiry.
“These important topics deserve the utmost respect and attention, and my fellow Councillors and I will cooperate fully with the inquiry to ensure its findings truly reflect the current and future direction of this organisation.”