Commission of inquiry welcomed by Moira Shire Council

By Anna McGuinness

Nov 2, 2022

Appointment: The commission of inquiry will report to the Victorian Local Government Minister by February 28, 2023. Photo by Supplied

A commission of inquiry has been appointed to look into the affairs of Moira Shire Council, including confidential correspondence from the municipal monitor and the Australian Services Union.

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The appointment of the commission on October 28 saw the removal of municipal monitor Marg Allan, who was brought in earlier this year following concerns over the behaviour of a councillor.

It came after council chief executive Clare Keenan raised concerns over the safety of staff and councillors in the workplace with the Victorian Local Government Minister.

In response to the appointment of the commission last week, Ms Keenan released a statement, saying she had written to the executive director of Local Government.

“... to express concern about the cost to council due to the monitor’s appointment and my apprehension that the terms of reference were broadening without addressing the ongoing workplace health and safety issue,” she said.

“We received the official correspondence from the minister that the commission of inquiry will commence on October 28 and report to the Minister for Local Government by February 28, 2023.

“The minister further informed us that the costs for the commission of inquiry will be met by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions following the concerns raised of the financial burden placed on council.

“We welcome the inquiry and thank the government for their ongoing support and concern, we understand that the additional authority of the commissioner will result in a genuine resolution for council.”

The terms of reference for the commission include examination of confidential correspondence from the municipal monitor and the ASU received by the minister in early October, any matters affecting the councillors performance of their roles and any matters affecting the performance of council administration — including human resources practices.