Council & Politics
5 August, 2024
No monitor for council, minister denies councillor's request
Minister for Local Government denies request to appoint a monitor
Minister for Local Government, The Hon Melissa Horne MP, has denied a request by Northern Grampians Shire Council first-term councilor Lauren Dempsey, to appoint a monitor to the NGSC.
Cr Dempsey's request followed several public statements claiming misconduct by some of her fellow councillors. She stated she no longer felt safe attending briefings due to the toxic environment.
However, Cr Dempsey's request did not meet the requirements for a monitor's appointment.
Minister Horne said it was only appropriate for her to appoint a monitor when a serious risk to council governance and integrity impacted its ability to perform its functions. It usually followed a recommendation from an integrity body such as the Chief Municipal Inspector, the Ombudsman, or IBAC.
This was not the case in this instance, so she would not appoint a municipal monitor at this time.
President of Women for Council NGS Prue McAlister contacted the minister on behalf of the group with a support letter for Cr Dempsey's request.
In her response, the minister referred to the amendments to the Local Government Act 2020 that addressed councilor conduct before the October 2024 council elections which were passed on June 25, 2024, and would address the expectation of behavior and processes to address misconduct when introduced.
The minister said stronger sanctions for misconduct would allow councillors to be suspended for up to three months and prevent them from holding the office of mayor or deputy mayor for up to 12 months.
She said she applauded Cr Dempsey for calling out poor behaviour.
Cr Dempsey's letter stated that she had been unable to attend briefings for several months due to the unsafe environment and lack of governance within the council.
She said the poor behavior had been directed towards both NGSC female councillors, herself, and Cr Karen Hyslop.
She said some councilors and the mayor were unwilling to support her to return to briefings.
In her response, the minister added, "It is not easy to shift an organisation's culture, but highlighting this type of behavior can make a real difference."
Ms. McAlister said at the Women For Council NGS July 31 meeting that while the minister's decision was disappointing, at least the minister was now aware of Cr Dempsey's situation, and hopefully, the new amendments would make a difference.
Cr Dempsey published her letter of request to the minister on Facebook.
A response from the NGSC on July 25 followed the publication of the councillor's open letter.
"Northern Grampians Shire Council is concerned by a recent Facebook post by Cr Lauren Dempsey requesting the Minister for Local Government, The Hon Minister Horne MP, to appoint a Monitor for the Council," said Cr Haswell, the council's mayor.
"Northern Grampians Shire Council is governed by the Local Government Act 2020, which establishes a councillor conduct framework and provides a clear hierarchy for managing councillor conduct issues.
"Councillors often agree on a wide range of issues but also disagree and have robust discussions. This is all part of the local government process.
" Cr Haswell added, "Cr Dempsey's request comes after she made a misconduct complaint against fellow councillors."
"During the current term of council there have been no findings of misconduct or serious misconduct against any councillors," he said.
The mayor added, "The Council is functioning well, including adopting the budget on July 1, and is running as per the code of conduct."
Minister Horne highlighted some changes that will be introduced after the October 2024 election, including mandatory professional development training, which all councillors must complete each year they are on council.
She said, "Mayors and deputy mayors would need to undergo additional mandatory training to understand their role and responsibilities."
"The reforms will also enable a councillor to be suspended for up to 12 months if I receive a report from a municipal monitor or Commissioner of Inquiry that finds that a councillor is creating a significant risk to the health and safety of others.
"While cultural change does not happen overnight, it is vital that councils are inclusive, safe spaces for councillors and community members," the minister said,