Municipal monitors will be appointed to Darebin City Council to support good governance processes and practices at the council.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced today that Ms June Anstee and Mr Ross Millard will begin their appointment as municipal monitors for Darebin City Council from 29 April 2024 to 31 December 2024. The monitors will provide a report to the Minister at the end of their term.
Ms Anstee is a solicitor and will bring experience from her previous role as President of the Councillor Conduct Tribunal for Brisbane City Council. Mr Millard will draw on his financial and accounting expertise and previous role with the Local Government Inspectorate in Victoria.
Minister Horne had previously appointed municipal monitor Mr John Watson to Darebin City Council from April 2022 to January 2023 following governance concerns at the council. Mr Watson provided a report to Minister Horne at the end of his term.
While Darebin City Council has taken steps to address concerns raised in Mr Watson’s report, work is still needed to improve its governance processes and practices.
The monitors will work closely with Darebin City Council to ensure governance and other improvements are fully implemented and will ensure stability at the council following the October 2024 elections.
The Allan Labor Government is supporting and improving council accountability, governance and culture across the state through reforms to the Local Government Act 2020.
The Government will introduce new legislation before the local government elections in October 2024 to elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils.
Reforms will introduce mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the Minister to address councillor conduct.
The terms of reference for the Darebin City Council monitors are available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
“Ms Anstee and Mr Millard will support Darebin City Council to improve governance and better meet the needs of the community it serves.”
