The state government will continue overseeing City of Greater Geelong Council’s operations after a report found that its governance policies, processes, and practices need improvement.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne assigned municipal officers Peter Dorling and Mark Davies to council on April 9, following the initial appointment of Mr Dorling and Prue Digby for 12 months from January 2023.
Ms Horne said that a final report by Mr Dorling and Ms Digby found that despite council making progress over the last year, more work was required.
“I thank Mr Dorling and Ms Digby for their work as monitors to Geelong City Council last year,” she said.
“Their report shows that work still needs to be done to improve governance practices at the council, and the appointment of Mr Dorling and Mr Davies as municipal monitors will support that work.”
Monitors will work closely with council’s chief executive Ali Wastie until December 31 to ensure governance improvements are fully implemented and will ensure council stability during October’s mayoral elections.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said council had already put many of the monitors’ recommendations in place but agreed that there was still work to be done.
“We are focussed on delivering positive results for the community and while we have much to be proud of, we also have much to get on with,” he said.
“Under Ms Wastie’s leadership, a number of initiatives have been implemented that are already having a positive impact on culture and organisational performance.
“They include a new chief executive Employment and Remuneration Policy (including terms of reference for the chief executive Employment and Remuneration Committee), Conflicts of Interest Policy, Sponsorship Policy and Councillor Gift, Benefits and Hospitality Policy.
“The City has also worked hard to improve council’s financial position and I look forward to the release of our Draft 2024/25 Budget later this month for community consultation.”
The state government will introduce new legislation before local government elections in October to elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils.
Reforms will include mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the minister to address councillor conduct.
