The State Government is taking action to give residents of Whittlesea confidence in their local government – following serious issues of governance and health and safety concerns at the council.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos has announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council.
The inquiry will have broad-ranging powers to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues at the council.
The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.
To inform his decision, the Minister considered information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff along with the unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation.
The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced soon. Whittlesea City Council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway.
Mr Staikos said that after receiving a letter co-signed by 10 councillors requesting urgent intervention he decided that determined that a Commission of Inquiry is needed.
“The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented. We want residents to have confidence in their local council. This Inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community,” he said.
