The Local Government Inspectorate completed 203 investigations in the 2021–22 financial year, as revealed in their annual report published on February 9.
The inspectorate said it has seen a rise in its workload as it investigated an increased number of allegations about councils and councillors in Victoria.
During 2021–22, the inspectorate said it handled 158 enquiries and completed 203 investigations during the financial year from July 1 2021 to June 30 2022 and issued 132 warnings including:
– 128 warnings for election matters
– 4 warnings for non-election matters
– used coercive powers on 5 occasions to obtain documents or information interviewed 24 individuals – with all being done voluntarily.
“An accountable and trustworthy local government sector relies on transparency from our elected officials and those employed by councils to deliver services to the public,” Chief municipal inspector Michael Stefanovic said.
“Our oversight and the support of the public in reporting allegations of wrongdoing helps keep our councils and councillors working in the best interests of the communities they serve.”
Mr Stefanovic said that inspectorate investigators had seen a steady increase in their workload year-on-year which showed that the public expected more from their councils and elected councillors.
“In a tighter fiscal environment, we have looked at methods for reducing enforcement costs such as fines for non-compliance with the Act. We are working with Local Government Victoria to find cost-effective options to address breaches and offences against the Act,” Mr Stefanovic said.
