Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne today announced the appointment of Janet Dore and Penelope Holloway as monitors to Brimbank City Council for the remainder of the year.
The monitors will provide a report to the Minister at the end of their term.
Ms Dore (pictured, left) brings wide experience and expertise to the role, having previously served as municipal monitor for Strathbogie, Wodonga and Ararat councils, while Ms Holloway (pictured, right) will draw on her previous experience as Acting CEO for the Office of Local Government NSW and her current role as Board Director for the Victorian Planning Authority.
The terms of reference for the monitors direct them to advise and provide any relevant assistance and support to the council in relation to the improvement of the council’s governance processes and practices, said Minister Horne.
This includes confidentiality requirements, management of conflicts of interest, relationships between councillors and between councillors and council staff, meeting procedures, decision-making processes, and the adequacy of governance rules.
“The purpose of local government is to serve its community, and the appointment of municipal monitors at Brimbank City Council will help resolve ongoing issues at the council.”
“Governance issues must be addressed, and the monitors will help identify what is needed to ensure Brimbank City Council can best represent its ratepayers.”
“Municipal monitors have proven to be effective at guiding councils to make improvements in governance that help them better serve their communities,” said Ms Horne.
The terms of reference for the Brimbank City Council monitors are available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/independent-reports.
