Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Tony Clark, has been served with alleged criminal charges initiated by a private individual, the Council has confirmed in a statement.
The Council said the matter, which relates to the Mayor’s handling of the Council’s 2026–27 budget, is proceeding as a private prosecution and has not involved an investigation, fact‑finding process, or assessment by Victoria Police or any public prosecutorial authority.Â
“Council is taking this matter seriously and is acting in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Integrity Policy,” it stated.
“As required by the Local Government Act 2020, Cr Tony Clark is automatically stood down while this matter is managed through the appropriate processes.”
“As this matter, and related proceedings involving other Council representatives, are the subject of ongoing legal processes, Council is constrained in what it can publicly comment on. It would be inappropriate to discuss the substance of the allegations, respond to legal arguments being advanced through those processes, or comment on matters that may ultimately be determined by the Court. Council will continue to act on legal advice and in accordance with its statutory obligations and established governance processes.”
Cr Clark, who is Australia’s first legally blind Mayor, is the third Hepburn Shire Council representative to face charges brought by a private individual this year.
Cr Don Henderson stood down following private charges filed in March, which include allegations of misusing his position; while Bradley Thomas resigned from his CEO role last month amid ongoing court proceedings.
“It is unfortunate that Cr Clark is forced to stand down while unfounded and untested allegations keep him from performing duties he was elected to do, and the impact that similar untested claims and proceedings have had on Don Henderson and Council’s Chief Executive Officer. Council has welcomed proposed amendments by the Victorian Government that would mean in similar circumstances the automatic standdown process would not apply to Councillors,” the Council stated.
“Council supports a fair process and will uphold any decisions of the Court. Council also hopes that these matters can be determined as promptly as possible to provide certainty for the individuals involved and for the community they were elected to serve.
“Council will work cooperatively with relevant authorities and remains committed to maintaining strong governance, transparency and continuity of service to the Hepburn Shire community.”
Deputy Mayor, Shirley Cornish, will step into the role of Mayor.Â
