Monitors for first 12 months

State Government will appoint monitors to guide newly elected Councillors following the October council election.

Strathbogie Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian Government announcement that municipal monitors will be appointed to guide newly elected Councillors following the October council election.

Monitors will be appointed at Casey, Whittesea and Strathbogie councils to guide newly elected councillors in their first year. It follows the dismissal of Strathbogie Councillors by the Minister for Local Government in late 2023 and Casey and Whittlesea in 2020.

The monitors will support the newly elected Councillors to restore good governance and help prevent the recurrence of issues that led to each council’s dismissal.

The Victorian Government will announce monitors and their terms of reference in due course.

Quotes attributable to Administrator, Peter Stephenson

“I welcome the Victorian Government announcement today which shows a commitment to giving Councillors every opportunity for success and sends a clear message that poor behaviour will not be tolerated.

“The appointment of monitors will help build on the range of work that is occurring across the sector to strengthen the focus on good governance, training and support for Councillors across the state.

“It is pleasing to see the Victorian Government and the Local Government Minister take a continued interest in how they can best support Strathbogie’s transition to elected representation and establish good practices from the outset.

Councillors have a responsibility to the community of Strathbogie to take the role seriously, and to work together for the good of the community.

“The appointment of monitors for the first year provides an opportunity to reinforce good behaviour and to help Councillors to understand their role and obligations under the Local Government Act.”