An investigation is about to be launched into Tasmania’s Dorset Council after “allegations of systematic and widespread statutory non-compliance and failings of good governance” were uncovered.
Local Government Minister Nic Street said that a Board of Inquiry will be established to investigate the claims, given the seriousness of the findings by the Director of Local Government.
The allegations include potential misuse of statutory power, consistent failure to meet legal obligations, conflicts of interest mismanagement, compromised decision-making due to poor governance and a lack of respect for community members and businesses by the council.
“The matters considered in the Director’s investigation were both historical and ongoing, raising concerns of a potentially entrenched culture of improper conduct,” Street said.
“Due to the seriousness of the allegations, I have appointed a two-person Board of Inquiry comprising of Andrew Walker, a senior Barrister with significant experience in the operations of local government, and former general manager of Clarence City Council, Andrew Paul, to further investigate these allegations.”
The Minister is also considering the possibility of suspending the councillors during the inquiry, asking each to provide their feedback on the issue before making a decision.
Current elected council members include Mervyn Chilcott, Anna Coxen, Leonie Stein, Beth Donoghue, Jerrod Nichols, Edwina Powell, Deputy Mayor Dale Jessup, Mayor Greg Howard and Kahlia Simmons.
The inquiry is expected to take around seven months, with a report to be prepared for the Government.
