Tasmanian Minister for Local Government, Kerry Vincent, has released the full Board of Inquiry Report into the operations of Dorset Council, which outlines significant failings of governance, conduct and decision-making within the organisation.
On 2 August 2023, the then Minister for Local Government decided to establish a Board of Inquiry into Dorset Council, and suspend all elected members during the investigation.
Andrew Wardlaw was appointed Commissioner for Council for the duration of the Inquiry, which ceased on 22 January, when the Dorset Board of Inquiry Report – October 2024 was released to the public by the Minister.
The Board found:
- – a failure by the Mayor and the councillors to adequately undertake certain functions;
- – inappropriate and offensive conduct by the Mayor and the former general manager;
- – culpable conduct by the former general manager and another former Council staff member, including retributive actions against some community members; and
- – that in some instances, the conduct of former staff members has led to the Council acting unlawfully.
“The Board’s findings are serious and not acceptable by any standards, which is why I have accepted their recommendations to issue directions under the Local Government Act to the Council, councillors and the Mayor,” Minister Vincent said.
“I am confident all parties will act upon the Ministerial Directions to ensure confidence can be restored within the community, and the Council can move forward to deliver positive outcomes for its ratepayers.”
Under the framework of the Ministerial Directions, the councillors resumed office from midnight on 22 January, and Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw’s position ceased.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the Board for its report and the many members of the community who provided substantial submissions throughout the Inquiry process. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Commissioner and Council staff for providing stability to the Dorset community during the Board of Inquiry,” Minister Vincent said.
“Our Government is firmly committed to strengthening governance of local councils and have recently proposed a raft of legislative reforms that will deal with governance and conduct challenges, with public consultation now underway.”
A copy of the Ministerial Statement, Ministerial Directions and the Board’s report is available here.