Whittlesea Commission of Inquiry outcomes, a CEO sacked, and a massive fraud

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Another monitor for Whittlesea as a Commission of Inquiry report raises serious governance concerns
• Maribyrnong’s Mayor back at work as his legal proceedings end
• Councils unite against an unpopular tax
• A council lobbying for councillor term limits
• Parramatta Council sacks its CEO
• A Queensland council loses nearly $2M to a sophisticated fraud
• and while WA’s Shire of Coolgardie avoids suspension, a rural councillor does not.

Plus on Roundup Extra, Moorabool Mayor Paul Tatchell on his ongoing dispute with the EPA over illegally dumped toxic waste, and why other councils should be concerned.

Chapters

• 2:23 Victorian Report
• 10:21 NSW Report
• 15:18 QLD Report
• 18:40 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 22:34 Global Report
• 26:19 Roundup Extra: Cr Paul Tatchell, Mayor Moorabool Shire Council

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

The Local Government Minister Nick Staikos has announced the appointment of a municipal monitor to Whittlesea City Council, as a result of the report from a Commission of Inquiry into the council's governance practices.

The appointment of Steven Kingshott, effective 15th October, comes as the six month suspension of former mayor Aidan McLindon expires this week.

Appointing yet another monitor to the Council was one of 17 recommendations by the Commission, including 4 towards the Council and thirteen to the government.

The government said it would respond to the remaining recommendations in due course.

The Commission said it had serious concerns about the conduct of Mr McLindon when he was Mayor, but that there were also shortcomings in the performances of the Councillors, the CEO Craig Lloyd and the Administration, and the Deputy Mayor that contributed to the problems at the Council.

It found that councillors were divided along political lines, and did not exercise due diligence in deciding to elected Mr McLindon as mayor in November 2024.

It also found that the relationship between the mayor and CEO "broke down" very early after the election, and was a factor in the events that subsequently unfolded, noting that the CEO was "very quick to escalate" matters to integrity agencies, exacerbating rather than calming internal tensions.

With regard to Mr McLindon, the Commission found his conduct was detrimental to the council, and that he failed to adequately perform the role of a mayor. It recommended that the Local Government Inspectorate investigate a number of complaints about the former mayor promptly, noting that an internal arbitration process paused during Mr McLindon's suspension would resume.

Mr McLindon told the ABC that the report was a “political witch-hunt”, motivated by differing political views, and that he did not expect any tension when returned as a councillor later this week.

In addition to the appointment of a monitor, the Commission has recommended a number of measures to improve councillor relationships; particular support from the monitor for the CEO in performing aspects of his role and for his relationship with the returning Cr McLindon; and further training for Cr McLindon, finding that he failed to meet required standards of conduct.

The Commission also recommends changes to the Local Government Act around mayoral election timing, terms of office, and guidance for mayors. It suggests the Act be amended to allow councils to remove mayors who are failing to perform their role under certain circumstances.

It has also recommended a Local Government Integrity Commission be established to deal with all allegations of misconduct for alleged breaches of the Act, replacing the functions of the Inspectorate, internal arbiters, Councillor Conduct Panels and VCAT's gross misconduct function.

The City of Whittlesea issued a statement noting the release of the report, and saying it would consider all elements of the report and make no further comment at this stage.

Councillor Pradeep Tiwari has returned to his duties as Mayor and Councillor of Maribyrnong City Council this week, after the conclusion of legal proceedings that began on 25 August 2025.

Cr Tiwari said he was thrilled to be back, and the council said it would not be making any further comment.

The Herald Sun reported that Cr Tiwari admitted to driving with his small son on his lap on a Melbourne freeway. He escaped conviction, and was fined $450.

Cr Tiwari, believed to be the state’s first mayor of Indian heritage, stepped aside from his mayoral and councillor duties after being charged in August.

In an unprecedented show of unity, all 79 Victorian councils have joined forces to protest against the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund.

Regional Cities Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria, and the Municipal Association of Victoria say the new levy unfairly shifts state costs onto local ratepayers — particularly in drought-stricken rural and regional areas.

The councils have formally written to Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, calling for the fund to be withdrawn and redesigned with proper consultation.

While councils say they strongly support emergency services volunteers, they argue the ESVF undermines local budgets and disproportionately impacts regional communities.

Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said it is a grossly unfair tax that hits communities already struggling with rising costs. In her municipality, the levy will cost ratepayers over six million dollars more each year.

It comes two years after the Victorian Government scrapped the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund — which provided up to 125 million dollars annually to regional Victoria. The state is now estimated to co

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to lobby the Municipal Association of Victoria to support the introduction of term limits preventing councillors from serving more than twelve years in their lifetime.

The Mornington News reported that the motion, moved by Councillor Bruce Ranken, was passed six votes to three after debate was cut short by a procedural motion, drawing criticism from veteran councillor David Gill who walked out of the meeting.

The proposal would now need to be accepted by the MAV, endorsed as policy, and then require state government amendment to the Local Government Act before taking effect.

The Municipal Association of Victoria has honoured long-serving councillors at its annual Service Awards, recognising their dedication to local communities across the state.

MAV President Jennifer Anderson praised the councillors for their commitment, noting that the demanding role is often undertaken alongside other jobs and family responsibilities.

Awards were presented for service milestones ranging from 10 to 30 years, with Councillor Des Phelan notably receiving recognition for three decades of service to Golden Plains Shire and the former Shire of Grenville.

Victorian Briefs:

Greater Shepparton has secured the Australian Junior Motocross Championships for two consecutive years, with the event returning to Mooroopna in 2026 and 2027.

The five-day national competition will feature 300 of Australia's top junior riders and is expected to attract over 1,500 visitors to the region.

Murrindindi Shire Council is encouraging residents to participate in the annual Aussie Bird Count, running from 20 to 26 October.

The initiative follows a recent Birds in the Backyard webinar hosted by the council, where wildlife expert Dr Gráinne Cleary discussed how bird behaviour reflects environmental health.

The City of Whittlesea is taking action after a community kite festival left Mernda Recreation Reserve littered with kites in trees and neighbouring properties, breaching event permit conditions.

Council crews have been deployed to clean up the site, with costs to be recovered from the event organisers who may face future permit denials.

National Roundup:

NSW:

In a dramatic late-night session on Monday, the City of Parramatta Council has terminated the employment of its chief executive, Gail Connolly.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the decision has exposed deep divisions within the council.

Councillors voted 9 to 6 to immediately dismiss Ms. Connolly, who has been on extended sick leave. The decision came after a tense meeting that stretched until nearly 11:30 PM, with raised voices reportedly heard from inside the closed chamber.

The termination follows a series of controversies surrounding Ms. Connolly's tenure, including allegations of inappropriate remarks to staff, improper withholding of documents from councillors, and ongoing exit negotiations previously reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

The vote split largely along party lines, with all Liberal councillors except Georgina Valjak voting for termination, along with several independents and cross bench members. Three Labor councillors voted against the dismissal, while three others abstained.

George Bounassif, who has been serving as acting chief executive during Ms. Connolly's absence, will continue in that role.

In a statement released to the press just after midnight, Mayor Zaiter thanked Ms. Connolly for her service and assured residents that the council remains committed to delivering services to the community.

The Council followed up with a formal media release yesterday confirming the termination.

ABC News reported that Ms Connolly issued her own statement, highlighting achievements including the Parramatta 2050 strategy and a doubling of staff satisfaction rates.

Ms Connolly acknowledged a period of turbulence with significant leadership issues, including four different lord mayors and several councillor resignations

Walcha Council has formally opposed the New England Renewable Energy Zone network infrastructure project, citing inadequate consultation and a lack of justification for the proposed transmission line route.

Mayor Eric Noakes has criticised EnergyCo for making a sudden route change that would run transmission lines east of Nundle into Walcha Shire, with three of four substations located within 35 kilometres of the town.

The Armidale Express reported that the council is demanding confirmation that all alternatives, including undergrounding options, have been properly considered before any development proceeds.

From the Deniliquin Pastoral Times: Murrumbidgee Council is leading a push to overhaul councillor remuneration across New South Wales, proposing pay increases that would see rural councillors earn sixty thousand dollars annually instead of the current thirteen thousand nine hundred and thirty dollars.

The motion, which will be presented at the Local Government NSW conference in November, argues that current payments are grossly inadequate and compares unfavourably with other government positions requiring less responsibility.

General Manager John Scarce says the low pay means neither mechanics nor solicitors can afford to replace themselves when attending council business.

North Sydney Council is considering introducing mandatory bookings and fees for private tutors using public libraries, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mayor Zoe Baker is supporting the proposal as a way to generate revenue and stop commercial operators from overcrowding public facilities.

Supporters say tutors are "clogging" libraries, particularly after school hours, making it difficult for other residents to use the space, while critics argue fees would be passed on to families already paying high tutoring costs.

From the Daily Telegraph: Woollahra Mayor Sarah Dixson has issued nine demands to the NSW Planning Minister, including halting housing reforms in Edgecliffe and Double Bay until a new train station at Woollahra is approved, funded and constructed.

The mayor is calling for commitments on schools, infrastructure and public spaces before ten thousand new homes are built around the proposed station site, citing concerns the government will walk away after housing is developed.

Planning Minister Paul Scully has rejected the demands, noting Woollahra's population has declined by eleven percent over fifty years and claiming the council remains one of the worst performers for approving new homes in Sydney.

NSW Briefs:

Newcastle's youngest Deputy Lord Mayor, Callum Pull, has handed over the civic role to Charlotte McCabe in a ceremony at City Hall, marking the first changeover under a power-sharing arrangement between four councillors over four years.

Councillor McCabe becomes the first Greens Deputy Lord Mayor in nearly a decade and will serve for one year before Labor councillors Declan Clausen and Deahnna Richardson take their turns.

Narrabri Shire Council has announced that the township of Narrabri is moving from Level Four to Level Three water restrictions following improved reservoir levels and strong community cooperation.

The Namoi Reservoir has reached 82.12% capacity, supported by water-saving efforts and the reintroduction of the Tibbereena Street bore supply.

Lake Macquarie councillors have voted to defer proposed changes to the council's funding and sponsorship policy following concerns about a plan to limit event funding to three consecutive years.

The council spent $600K supporting 271 events in the last financial year, but the Newcastle Herald reported that councillors want community consultation before implementing the three-year cap.

QLD:

Noosa Shire Council has revealed it was the victim of a sophisticated international fraud during the Christmas period, losing $1.9M to organised criminal gangs.

CEO Larry Sengstock says the fraud was perpetrated by international criminals using advanced AI social engineering techniques - not through a cyber security breach of council systems.

The incident has been under investigation by Australian Federal Police and Interpol, which is why council couldn't go public until now: (grab1)

Mr Sengstock said no council staff were at fault or involved, and says the criminals were highly organised professionals who managed to bypass existing security processes.

Council has since implemented recommendations from the Queensland Audit Office and is installing additional third-party software to strengthen controls.

Mr Sengstock said the incident is a warning to others: (grab2)

Mr Sengstock told a media conference that the council was in negotiations with insurance companies about what could be recovered.

The Sunshine Coast Daily reported that mayor Frank Wilkie was stunned by the incident, and determined and focused on ensuring it doesn’t ever happen again.

Bundaberg Regional Council has launched the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project to revitalise the city's CBD through collaboration between council, police, businesses and community groups.

Mayor Helen Blackburn says the initiative will address antisocial behaviour and rough sleeping while modernising infrastructure and improving accessibility in the city centre.

The project includes increased compliance presence, enhanced cleaning services, and advocacy to the State Government for additional support to tackle homelessness.

Sunshine Coast Council has appointed consultants to design a new twelve-point-eight million dollar town square in Caloundra, following a four million dollar contribution from the Queensland Government.

The project will create a pedestrian-friendly civic and cultural hub linking The Events Centre, Library Plus, and Caloundra Regional Gallery with improved pathways and green spaces. Construction is expected to begin mid-2026 and be completed by mid-2027.

The City of Moreton Bay will provide land at Moreton Bay Central in Petrie for a new sixty million dollar TAFE Centre of Excellence.

The Queensland Government facility will deliver training in construction, engineering, electrotechnology and advanced manufacturing, with construction set to begin in 2026.

The centre will be located near UniSC's Moreton Bay campus to foster collaboration between TAFE and university students.

Rockhampton Regional Council has resolved to submit a Temporary Local Planning Instrument to the State Government to guide the development of battery energy storage systems across the region.

The instrument was shaped by community consultation including four public meetings and sixty-eight formal submissions addressing concerns about setbacks, bushfire safety and environmental impacts.

If approved, the TLPI will remain in effect for up to two years while permanent planning scheme amendments are developed.

TAS: Tasmania’s Kingborough Council is celebrating winning the National Greyhound Coastcare Award for Kingston Beach Coastcare - recognising 25 years of dedicated volunteer work protecting the coastal environment at Kingston Beach.

The award highlights the successful collaboration between the volunteer group, Kingborough Council's biodiversity team, and Landcare Tasmania in achieving significant environmental improvements.

SA:

The District Council of Robe is calling on the Federal Government to review Australia's funding formula for local government, after receiving just $42,321 in general purpose funding for 2025-26, the lowest allocation in South Australia at only $26.27 per resident.

Mayor Lisa Ruffell says the coastal town services up to 20,000 visitors at peak times on the rates of just 1,600 permanent residents, while other small regional councils receive ten to forty times more support per capita.

The council warns it's been deemed potentially financially unsustainable by ESCOSA, facing escalating costs from coastal erosion, heritage site maintenance, and tourism infrastructure that the current funding model fails to recognise.

WA:

Coolgardie Shire Council has narrowly avoided suspension after responding to a show cause notice issued by the State Government.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has announced she will not suspend the council, despite serious concerns about the Shire's financial management and governance.

The council was required to explain why it shouldn't be suspended under the Local Government Act, after a notice was issued in late August.

While Minister Beazley acknowledged the council has made some initial efforts to address its financial challenges, she warned that significant risks remain.

The Minister has set strict conditions: all council members must complete financial management training, and the Shire must provide regular updates on its Financial Recovery Plan to the Department of Local Government.

Minister Beazley said it's "deeply disappointing" that substantial State intervention was needed to get the council to be accountable, adding that she'll give the Shire up to 12 months to get its house in order.

The Shire's financial position will be closely monitored over the next year, with the priority being stable governance and essential services for the Coolgardie community.

A Western Australian councillor has been suspended after refusing to apologise for defamatory statements about council staff, according to ABC News.

Mount Magnet Shire deputy president Ian Black will be off the council for three months following a ruling by the State Administrative Tribunal.

The suspension stems from an incident last May when Cr Black stapled a printed notice to a council noticeboard making defamatory comments about two shire employees.

The notice accused one staff member of having "small man syndrome" and called another employee a liar multiple times.

CCTV footage clearly captured Cr Black posting the document, which was addressed to local ratepayers and residents.

The Local Government Standards Panel found Cr Black had breached the council's code of conduct and ordered him to make a public apology. When he failed to comply, the matter was escalated to the State Administrative Tribunal.

Global Report:

NZ:

Lydia Gliddon has been elected as Selwyn's new mayor with a commanding 73% of the vote, defeating three-term incumbent Sam Broughton.

Gliddon has promised to scrutinise council spending, including the 59 million dollar Waikirikiri cycle trail project, and aims to reduce rates to a single-digit increase.

The Press reported that the election has resulted in an almost entirely new council, with only two councillors retaining their seats.

John Glover has been elected as Queenstown Lakes District's new mayor, defeating incumbent Glyn Lewers.

The Otago Daily Times reported that five incumbent councillors have been ousted in what Glover describes as a clear message from voters for change.

The new mayor says he'll work to restore trust in council, apply a sharp financial focus to minimise rates increases, and deliver smart growth that doesn't compromise the environment.

Ken Laban has made history as New Zealand's first Pasifika mayor, winning the Lower Hutt mayoralty.

The long-time broadcaster and sports commentator defeated three other candidates in a comfortable victory, according to a report from Stuff.

Laban has been an advocate for inclusion, youth opportunity, and safer communities across the Wellington region.

Whangārei mayor Vince Cocurullo appears to have been ousted by challenger Ken Couper, with late votes flipping the result on Sunday afternoon.

Cocurullo claims he's been the victim of a hate campaign related to his opposition to water fluoridation, after his council defied a Ministry of Health directive earlier this year.

Newsroom reports that there is a wider trend, with 33 of New Zealand's 66 city and district elections on track to deliver new mayors, with elected candidates leaning more fiscally conservative than in 2022.

UK:

Here some of the latest council stories from BBC News:

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking public consultation to extend its Public Spaces Protection Order tackling car cruising for another three years.

The current order, introduced in 2022, has been highly effective with a 41% annual drop in reported incidents and 73 fixed penalty notices issued.

The council says the measure has successfully addressed dangerous and anti-social driving behaviour at three key hotspots in the borough.

Oxfordshire County Council is facing legal action over its planned congestion charge in Oxford, with campaign group Open Roads for Oxford sending a pre-action protocol letter challenging the decision.

The group claims public consultation responses were not properly considered before the council approved the temporary £5 daily fee, which is due to begin on 29 October.

The council has until 21 October to respond to the legal challenge and must either accept the decision was unlawful or set out its defence.

Staffordshire County Council, now run by Reform UK, has voted to overturn its 2019 climate emergency declaration, saying it will focus on immediate environmental issues instead of unfunded long-term targets.

The council's cabinet member for connectivity said net zero targets had been distracting from main priorities including the economy, education and supporting vulnerable residents.

Conservative opposition councillors criticised the move, saying the declaration should have been refreshed rather than scrapped entirely.

And from The Guardian:

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has condemned what he calls "disgraceful rhetoric" from Labour and the Green party after George Finch, the 19-year-old Reform leader of Warwickshire county council, was allegedly assaulted.

Finch says his alleged attacker called him a racist and fascist before the assault on Friday, language he claims echoes recent comments from political opponents.

Warwickshire police are investigating the incident, whilst both Labour and the Green party have condemned violence in politics and denied responsibility for inciting attacks.

CANADA:

In Ontario, Cambridge City Hall is fully reopening after police concluded an investigation into multiple disruptive incidents involving threatening remarks, inappropriate conduct, and unauthorised access to restricted areas.

CTV News reported that while the investigation has ended with no criminal charges filed, the city will maintain enhanced security measures including bag checks, controlled access, and on-site security personnel at council meetings.

Roundup Extra:

Cr Paul Tatchell, Mayor of Moorabool Shire Council

Moorabool Shire Council has found itself at the centre of a major dispute with the EPA over who should pay for cleaning up toxic waste illegally dumped on Crown land.

Mayor Paul Tatchell joins us to discuss the $500,000 cleanup bill forced upon ratepayers, the upcoming Illegal Dumping Summit, and why he believes this case could set a dangerous precedent for councils across Victoria.