By Alesha Capone
Western region MP Bernie Finn has today called for Wyndham council to be sacked and administrators appointed.
Mr Finn’s call comes after long-serving Wyndham councillor Kim McAliney resigned last night.
Speaking to Star Weekly, Mr Finn said: “I’m calling on the Minister for Local Government, Adem Somyurek, to sack Wyndham council.”
Mr Finn described Wyndham council as “distracted, dysfunctional and not doing the job it’s supposed to”.
“Wyndham council is actually a circus, the councillors have actually forgotten what they are there for,” he said.
“Councillors are meant to be there for the good of the community, not to play petty little games and having their egos run amuck”
“There is all sorts of very unfortunate goings-on behind the scenes.
“A lot of these councillors are putting their own interests ahead of the community.
“Kim is certainly one of better councillors…
“It’s time for the Minister to step in.”
Mr Finn said he has previously raised the matter of sacking Wyndham council, in private meetings with Mr Somyurek, and that he was planning to do so again.
Mr Finn said he would also speak about the matter publicly in Parliament – but not during this week, as he is caring for an ill family.
Mr Finn said that although local government elections will be held across Victoria in October this year, the state government should take action and sack Wyndham council now.
“That (the local government elections) is some months away and more damage could be done between now and when the elections are held,” Mr Finn said.
“I think it’s a matter of extreme urgency.”
But Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan has hit back at Mr Finn’s calls for Wyndham council to be sacked.
“Bernie is a broken record when it comes to council sackings,” Cr Gilligan said.
“He’d be on track to win an award for most media appearances on council sackings of any state politician in Victoria’s history.
“Our annual community survey shows that community confidence in council governance and leadership has never been higher, this council term. Let the facts speak for themselves.”
A spokesperson for the state government said: “The community will have the chance to deliver its verdict on its council’s performance at the October 2020 general elections.”
