Summer 2019 - Local government integrity matters

David Wolf, Chief Municipal Inspector

Welcome to our summer 2019 edition of integrity matters as we lead into the festive season and the holiday break. In this edition we highlight the recent Yarriambiack Shire Council investigation report which represents a significant body of work from my team.

Importantly, the report identifies many issues that are not exclusive to Yarriambiack Shire and provides a good reference guide for councils and public sector organisations that have regional and largely autonomous operations.

Another key article relates to information transmission between the elected council and the council organisation. In many cases the LGI handles, the requests for information and provision and detail of that information becomes a matter of contention and, at times, conflict between councillors and the administration.

In our work we have observed a process that provides transparency and equity around the information process and has assisted councillors and the administration in their role. I thank both Geelong and Surf Coast Councils for sharing their processes.

Finally, I take this opportunity to wish the local government sector all the very best over the holiday period and, in particular, I would like to acknowledge those that work in critical services or functions over this period to ensure your communities are safe.