The Bill to dismiss Whittlesea City Council has passed Parliament, with Councillors to be replaced by an interim administrator within days.

The Local Government (Whittlesea City Council) Bill 2020 provides for the dismissal of the council and appointment of administrators, who will act as the council in the best interests of residents and ratepayers until the October 2024 Local Government elections are held.

Municipal monitor Yehudi Blacher’s report found clear evidence that governance had collapsed in the City of Whittlesea and recommended its dismissal.

In addition, the report found that:

• The council’s deep divides and personality conflicts have rendered it dysfunctional
• Councillors have failed to provide stability in the Council’s senior leadership with five CEO’s in five years and over $500,000 spent on legal disputes
• Councillor behaviours have not been consistent with the Councillor Code of Conduct and have caused significant harm to the council’s administration and reputation.

The Government will move quickly to give ratepayers certainty around the Council’s governance and accountability by appointing an interim administrator once the Bill receives Royal Assent – before establishing a full panel.