A panel of administrators has been appointed to lead Moira Shire after the Council was dismissed in March.
Victorian Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne said the appointment of the panel was an important step in returning the Shire to good governance.
“Councils must faithfully represent the communities they serve – Moira Shire residents deserve quality services and a council that puts their interests first,” said Minister Horne.
“The appointment of the Administrators is a crucial step along this path.”
Earlier this year, a Commission of Inquiry found that Moira Shire Council could not effectively carry out its responsibilities in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 due to significant governance failures.
John Tanner AM will chair the panel of Administrators which also comprises Suzanna Sheed and Dr Graeme Emonson PSM.
Mr Tanner will Chair the panel until 8 December 2023 after which further appointments may be made to the panel, including the appointment of a new Chair. Ms Sheed and Dr Emonson’s appointments are until the beginning of the first meeting of the council following the general election for the Council in October 2028.
Mr Tanner was one of two commissioners who conducted the Commission of Inquiry into Moira Shire Council and has served as interim Administrator since March.
Ms Sheed was an independent Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the electorate of Shepparton from 2014 to 2022, serving as chair of the Parliament’s Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee and a member of the Family and Community Development Committee.
Ms Sheed has extensive experience as a lawyer and brings a deep understanding of key issues in regional Victoria. She has held board positions with the RACV, Goulburn Murray Water and the Law Institute of Victoria.
Dr Emonson has worked in state and local government, including in rural and metropolitan councils. He brings expertise in leadership and organisational culture and is currently a Deputy Secretary in the Victorian Public Service.
The Minister said the panel of administrators will work to ensure good governance is restored so that council services are delivered effectively, the health and wellbeing of council staff is prioritised and the community is better involved and represented.
“The work of Mr Tanner, Ms Sheed and Dr Emonson will help move Moira Shire forward,” said Ms Horne.
For more information about the panel of Administrators and its terms of reference go to localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/independent-reports.
