The Council of Greater Geelong has renewed its search for a new chief executive following a lifting of a halt order from the Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne.
Minister Horne announced in late January she would heed the recommendation of Victoria’s Chief Municipal Inspector Michael Stefanovic to exercise her power to direct the Council not to employ a CEO.
The Minister subsequently appointed two municipal monitors, Prue Digby and Peter Dorling, from the Chief Municipal Inspector’s office to support Council to work toward hiring a new chief officer.
Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan announced Thursday the restriction had been lifted and Council would once again begin looking for a new, permanent chief executive.
“Today I received notification from the Victorian local government Minister, the Hon. Melissa Horne, that the Governance Direction preventing the Council from employing a chief executive officer has been revoked,” he said.
“The Council will now resume the process to appoint a CEO for the City of Greater Geelong.
“I look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the government-appointed monitors.”
Minister Horne said the process of appointing a new chief executive would “play a major role in restoring good governance” to the City.
“The monitors advised that the council had implemented the necessary improvements to its processes to ensure the recruitment can progress in accordance with the Local Government Act,” she said.
“I appointed Ms Digby and Mr Dorling as municipal monitors on 24 January 2023 for a period of 12 months. They will provide advice to me and the council throughout their tenure and are required to provide a report at the end of their term.
“The monitors will continue to oversee the CEO appointment process and other governance matters under the terms of their reference.”
