Mr Jim Gifford and Mr Steven Kingshott have been re-appointed as municipal monitors to Glenelg Shire Council to support good governance at the council and guide the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced today that Mr Gifford and Mr Kingshott have been re-appointed as municipal monitors from 15 April 2024.
Mr Kingshott's appointment will conclude four weeks after an ongoing Chief Executive Officer is appointed to the council, and Mr Gifford's appointment will conclude on 31 December 2024.
The two monitors were first appointed to the council for three months from 13 November 2023 to 13 February 2024 following a request from the Mayor of Glenelg Shire Council, and have provided their final report to Minister Horne.
The report notes that although the Council has made progress, work is still required to improve its governance policies, processes and practices.
In response to this advice, Minister Horne has re-appointed Mr Gifford and Mr Kingshott as municipal monitors to Glenelg Shire Council under section 179 of the Local Government Act 2020.
The re-appointment of the two monitors will ensure governance improvements are fully implemented and ensure stability during the October 2024 elections and recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer.
The Allan Labor Government is supporting and improving council accountability, governance and culture across the state through reforms to the Local Government Act 2020.
The Government will introduce new legislation before the local government elections in October 2024 to elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria's 79 councils.
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 monitors is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/independent-reports.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
"I thank Mr Gifford and Mr Kingshott for their ongoing work as monitors to Glenelg Shire Council. They will continue to assist the Council as it improves its governance practices and recruits a new Chief Executive Officer."
