- Date:
- 31 May 2021
This is my first opportunity, after a month in the role, to introduce myself to the readers of our integrity matters newsletter.
I would like to thank Acting Chief Municipal Inspector (CMI) Dr John Lynch for leading the organisation through a difficult year and to previous CMI David Wolf for his work in building the profile and direction of the LGI since its inception.
As I am keen to gain a better understanding of the local government sector, some Inspectorate staff and I will be taking part in online and in-person events and forums throughout the year. I welcome invitations to relevant events and council briefings.
From the contact I’ve had with councils and representatives from state government so far, there is a clear diversity, complexity and importance of the services that the 79 councils deliver to their local communities - this has reinforced to me that my job is not to get in your way but to aid you as councillors, council officers and members in the performance of your duties and to deliver the good governance our local communities deserve.
This latest edition of integrity matters discusses some of our work during the 2020 election period and our upcoming report on our findings and opportunities for improvement. We also detail how the Inspectorate receives and assess complaints, how to better manage council activities with a governance schedule.
I look forward to meeting many of you virtually or in person this year.
Mick Stefanovic AM
Chief Municipal Inspector
New Chief Municipal Inspector appointed
Introduction to our Chief Municipal Inspector.
Election complaints double in 2020
Our comprehensive report into the local government elections, to be published next month, will detail the numbers and trends of complaints we received during the 2020 elections.
How we assess complaints
The Local Government Inspectorate assesses and investigates complaints about Victorian councils that relate to breaches and offences against the Local Government Act 2020.
Get your governance organised with a schedule
Like death and taxes, there are certain obligations councils can’t avoid. Annual reports must be published and budgets must be presented.
Vale Malcolm Hole and Ray Brown
Wellington Shire and Cardinia Shire councils have paid tribute to Councillors Malcolm Hole and Ray Brown, who recently passed away.
Guidance and education program continues
Mick Stefanovic was invited to the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Victoria Conference (pictured above) on Saturday 1 May.
Virtual meeting measures extended
A mechanism to allow for virtual council meetings so that councils can continue to make decisions during the pandemic has been extended.
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