AFTER a tumultuous period for the City of Whittlesea council, the State Government is stepping in to investigate.
A commission of inquiry has been organised by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, aiming to get to the bottom of the key issues which have beset the City of Whittlesea since last year’s Council elections.
Since the election of Council, former Mayor Aidan McLindon has been suspended and removed from his role and replaced by Councillor Martin Taylor.
Mr McLindon was previously suspended for six months, to be eligible to return to his role as councillor on October 17, while he was also barred from the council chambers by CEO Craig Lloyd after allegations of aggressive behaviour were levelled against the former Mayor.
Recently, Lalor ward voters were told they would have to poll again for their seat after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) found that the election may have been affected by voter fraud.
Twenty-four duplicated ballot papers found what were believed to be irregular and fraudelently cast votes for last-placed candidate Nicholas Hajichristou, who was named as first preference, while a further 57 stolen ballots likely had him similarly first preference.
Given the election was decided by just 39 votes, the VEC ruled that the election may have been affected by these votes.
There is no suggestion Mr Hajichristou was involved or aware of the fraud.
Municipal monitors Jude Munro and Peita Duncan stepped down from their roles, which they had held since November 2024.
That allowed Prue Digby to move in as inquiry chair, with Jim Gifford named as commissioner.
Ms Digby has provided more than 40 years of experience in various state, local and non-government roles.
The inquiry will take place over a period of four months, which is designed to identify the council’s government practices, while also determining if changes are needed.
Previously, Whittlesea City Council was sacked in 2020 with serious governance issues.
Mr Staikos said the people of Whittlesea deserved some confidence going forward.
“We are taking immediate action to ensure the Whittlesea community can have confidence in their council moving forward,” he said.
“I welcome Prue Digby and Jim Gifford, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in leading this Commission of Inquiry.
“Victorians deserve a council that represents their best interests and serves them with respect, and we are ensuring our councils uphold these values.
“I thank outgoing municipal monitors Jude Munro and Peita Duncan for their dedication and service to the Whittlesea City Council and community.”
The final report will be provided to Mr Staikos in September 2025 once the Commission of Inquiry is completed.
In the meantime, Whittlesea City Council will continue to operate as usual, with a recent council meeting held last Tuesday.
