- Published:
- Wednesday, 12 December 2018 at 2:14 am
Mr Johnston has been fined $26,000 and also ordered to pay $10,000 towards prosecution legal costs.
The charges were brought by the Local Government Inspectorate, the lead integrity agency for local government in Victoria.
The court heard that, over a 4 year period between 2009 and 2013, Mr Johnston used his council-issued credit card for 112 transactions on expenses unrelated to council business. The total amount he dishonestly obtained for himself was $9,415.71.
Chief Municipal Inspector David Wolf said: 'Local communities have the right to expect the highest levels of integrity from their council’s senior administration. In this case, the former CEO deceived the community to his own advantage and the courts have applied an appropriate penalty. This closes out a difficult chapter for Central Goldfields Shire Council and the council can continue to rebuild trust with the community.'
For more information on the case, view the Inspectorate's previous media releases.
Background
The Inspectorate laid charges against Mr Johnston in July 2017 after a long and complex investigation.
At a special mention hearing on 9 August 2018, Mr Johnston agreed to plead guilty to five rolled-up charges, which were consolidated from 38 charges to streamline the prosecution case.
Media enquiries
Media outlets can contact Steve Pogonowski, Senior Communications Adviser:
- email: steve.pogonowski@lgi.vic.gov.au
- phone: 0437 541 972
Updated