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Municipal Monitor For South Gippsland Shire Council

18 June 2018

The Andrews Labor Government has appointed a municipal monitor to investigate and report on the governance of South Gippsland Shire Council.

Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz today announced the appointment of Peter Stephenson for a 12-month term, effective from 18 June, 2018.

Mr Stephenson has extensive experience in local governance, having been both an inspector of municipal administration and interim administrator at Wangaratta Rural City Council.

The appointment of a monitor at the council follows a recommendation from the Local Government Inspectorate, which is currently undertaking an investigation at the council.

Concerns have been raised about the council’s meeting procedures, current policies and processes to manage conflicts of interest, and the management of confidential information.

Municipal monitors monitor council governance processes and practices, advise councils about possible governance improvements and report to the Minister on any steps taken by a council to improve its governance.

If necessary, a monitor can recommend that the Minister take further governance measures.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Marlene Kairouz

“We have serious governance concerns about South Gippsland Shire Council – that’s why we’re appointing a monitor.”

“The monitor will help ensure South Gippsland Shire Council properly serves the ratepayers it represents.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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