The Tasmanian Government is working with local government to ensure the highest standards of integrity are being met.
Minister for Local Government, Kerry Vincent, has today released the Board of Inquiry Report into the operations of Dorset Council in full and has issued a series of Ministerial Directions to the Dorset Council, the councillors and the Mayor under the Local Government Act 1993.
The Board found significant failings of governance, conduct and decision-making within the Council, including:
"The Board's findings are serious and not acceptable by any standards, which is why I have accepted their recommendations to issue directions under the Local Government Act to the Council, councillors and the Mayor," Minister Vincent said.
"I am confident all parties will act upon the Ministerial Directions to ensure confidence can be restored within the community, and the Council can move forward to deliver positive outcomes for its ratepayers."
Under the framework of the Ministerial Directions, the councillors will resume office from midnight tonight and Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw's position will cease.
"I would like to acknowledge and thank the Board for its report and the many members of the community who provided substantial submissions throughout the Inquiry process. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Commissioner and Council staff for providing stability to the Dorset community during the Board of Inquiry," Minister Vincent said.
"Our Government is firmly committed to strengthening governance of local councils and have recently proposed a raft of legislative reforms that will deal with governance and conduct challenges, with public consultation now underway."
