The state government has appointed a municipal monitor to oversee Hobsons Bay council until the end of the year.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced on Thursday, May 29 that he had appointed John Tanner AM to work with the council until December 31.
Mr Tanner, a former administrator of Brimbank and Moira Shire councils, will be working with Hobsons Bay council for two to three days a week, starting on Monday, June 2.
The appointment comes after a period of turmoil for Hobsons Bay council which in January suspended its then chief executive, Aaron van Egmond, and corporate services director, Andrew McLeod, while workplace safety concerns at the council were investigated.
Mr van Egmond resigned as chief executive on April 1, and former chief executive of Maribyrnong and Wyndham councils, Kerry Thompson, has been acting in the role since.
The workplace safety investigation into Hobsons Bay council is still ongoing.
In announcing his appointment as municipal monitor, Mr Staikos said Mr Tanner was an expert in local government, leadership, and governance and would bring valuable skills, experience, and qualifications to the council
“Mr Tanner 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,” he said.
Mr Tanner will write a report to the minister upon completing his term as monitor.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Hobsons Bay said the appointment of Mr Tanner as municipal monitor would complement work already undertaken by council.
“His main function will be to advise and provide relevant assistance to council to improve its governance, processes and practices following the appointment of a new executive team,” said the spokesperson.
“This council is committed to continuing to deliver excellent services to its community, and to ensuring the health and wellbeing of its staff.
“Council acknowledges it is undergoing a period of transformation, and all staff, executive and councillors will provide Mr Tanner any support and assistance he requires during his time as municipal monitor to help it on that journey.”
