Victorian Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, has appointed Jim Gifford as the first of two municipal monitors to the Glenelg Shire Council – with the second monitor to be confirmed once probity processes have been completed.
The announcement follows the Minister’s decision last month to appoint municipal monitors to the council following a request for intervention from the Mayor of Glenelg Shire Council that cited issues with culture in the council organisation.
“I know Jim Gifford will use his experience, skills and knowledge to great effect in this important task,” said Minister Horne.
“Residents of Glenelg Shire deserve a council that represents their needs and municipal monitors have a great record in helping councils improve performance and deliver the services that the community expects.”
The monitors will be in place for a three-month period – from today (13 November) until 13 February 2024.
During their appointment, the monitors will support good governance at Glenelg Shire Council and guide recruitment of a new chief executive officer, said Minister Horne.
The terms of reference direct the monitors to assist councillors in the understanding and execution of their statutory roles and responsibilities as representatives of the community and to guide best-practice engagement between members of the council and between councillors and shire staff.
At the end of their term, the monitors will provide a report to the Minister for Local Government.
Minister Horne said Mr Gifford (pictured) brings considerable experience in state and local governmentand to the monitor role and is a specialist in electoral and governance matters. A former executive at Local Government Victoria, he has worked with councils to train councillors and advise councils on their requirements under the Local Government Act 2020.
The terms of reference for the monitors is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/independent-reports.
