A former Wyndham mayor is calling on Local Government Minister Nick Staikos to introduce a monitor to supervise the council’s conduct.
Kim McAliney, who called for a monitor to oversee council in 2021, said council’s operational integrity has deteriorated even further since the last time she pushed for intervention.
“We have had councillors. .. name-calling, saying they are drinking on the job, flipping each other off,” she said.
“A board of governance all have to be on the same page, but if there is constant bickering, then you have to start asking questions about their ability to govern effectively.
“The council should all be working together for the best outcome of the community, but what I am seeing isn’t robust discussion, it is destruction of discussions that is creating silos in our community.”
Ms McAliney said the decision to cut key events and services such as the free snake removal from private properties and the State Rose and Garden Show without direct community consultation also added to her concerns about council’s ability to govern.
“We have iconic events being cut without community consultations … Yet we pay for private security in Truganina–that should be with the state government and Victoria Police,” she said.
She said recent public stoushes between Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakari and Werribee MP John Lister and council about council spending should have caught the attention of Mr Staikos.
“In the history of my terms on council, local state members have never ever openly criticised council operations,” she said.
“The minister needs to listen.”
A Local Government Victoria spokesperson said there are a range of measures available to support councils, improve good governance and address improper conduct where necessary.
“Councils have a responsibility to represent the communities they serve,” the spokesperson said.
Star Weekly understands the criteria for installing a monitor involves the minister being satisfied there are significant governance issues, under the advice of the Local Government Inspectorate or from a council itself requesting it.
Council declined to respond.
