Municipal monitors will work with Brimbank City Council to help the council better understand its role, improve its performance, and serve the best interests of the community.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne today announced Ms Janet Dore and Ms Penelope Holloway have been appointed as monitors to the council from 12 February to 31 December 2024. The monitors will provide a report to the Minister at the end of their term.
Ms Dore brings wide experience and expertise to the role, having previously served as municipal monitor for Strathbogie, Wodonga and Ararat councils - and Ms Holloway will draw on her previous experience as Acting CEO for the Office of Local Government NSW and her current role as Board Director for the Victorian Planning Authority.
The terms of reference for the monitors direct them to advise and provide any relevant assistance and support to the council in relation to the improvement of the council's governance processes and practices.
This includes confidentiality requirements, management of conflicts of interest, relationships between councillors and between councillors and council staff, meeting procedures, decision-making processes, and the adequacy of governance rules.
The Allan Labor Government is supporting and improving council accountability, governance and culture across the state through reforms to the Local Government Act 2020.
Legislation to be introduced this year will elevate governance and integrity standards in the state's 79 councils, encouraging quality candidates to put themselves forward at elections to be held statewide in October.
Reforms will introduce mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the Minister to address councillor conduct.
The terms of reference for the Brimbank City Council monitors are available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/independent-reports
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
"The purpose of local government is to serve its community, and the appointment of municipal monitors at Brimbank City Council will help resolve ongoing issues at the council."
"Governance issues must be addressed, and the monitors will help identify what is needed to ensure Brimbank City Council can best represent its ratepayers."
"Municipal monitors have proven to be effective at guiding councils to make improvements in governance that help them better serve their communities."
