By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A DISCUSSION paper released as part of a state review into local councils questions the effectiveness of Geelong’s directly elected mayoral model.
The paper also questions whether the act of parliament authorising the directly elected mayor should remain separate or be incorporated into the Local Government Act.
The discussion paper said the review aimed at simplifying and improving the consistency of local government legislation.
South Barwon liberal MP Andrew Katos feared the Andrews Labor Government wanted to do away with the directly elected mayor.
“The Andrews Government looks like it wants to make significant changes to Geelong, possibly going back to the old model – that’s my suspicion,” Mr Katos said.
“Some in the Andrews Government are not supportive of the directly elected mayor concept and want to return to the old days of backroom deals and shenanigans to elect the mayor of Geelong. That would be disastrous.
“I have no doubts that some in council, particularly from the Labor side of politics, have been under orders to make the directly elected mayor look as bad as possible. They deliberately want to make Geelong look like basket case.
“I agree a review is needed and the model needs to be looked at but the concept is good and should stay.
“People want to see a genuine vision that seeks the best for Geelong, with likeminded candidates who share that vision.
“If we stay how we are it can blow up the whole council.”
Committee for Geelong chief Rebecca Casson said the review also left the door open for the model to be improved.
“We have always advocated for a directly elected mayor but the model we have is not the one we advocated for,” Ms Casson said.
“We need to ask why it works well in Melbourne and if that could be what Geelong aspires to. We know the model we have is not working in the way we advocated for and needs to be given the best possible chance to commit Geelong to a model of similar quality to Melbourne.
“Geelong as Victoria’s second largest city deserves a model similar to Melbourne to give it the best chance of success and give Geelong the strategic leadership needed at this time of transformation.
“Cities that invest in leadership in the right way have fared better in the economic prosperity of their city.”
Former Geelong council chief Kay Rundle is a member of the review’s advisory committee.
She was chief executive officer at the city from 2003 to 2009. The directly elected mayor was introduced at the 2012 municipal elections.
Input into the Local Government Act review is open until 18 December at yourcouncilyourcommunity.vic.gov.au.
