Municipal monitor John Tanner AM has begun work at Hobsons Bay council as part of efforts to rebuild governance and culture at the organisation.
Mr Tanner was appointed by local government minister Nick Staikos last week to work with Hobsons Bay until the end of 2025.
As part of his terms of reference, the monitor will help produce an action plan to fix problems in governance, procurement, policy and financial decision making that have significantly affected the council in recent times.
Mr Tanner will also oversee council’s new executive team, led by interim chief executive Kerry Thompson, as they work to improve the organisation and appoint a new permanent chief executive to replace Aaron van Egmond who resigned in April.
At the time of his resignation, Mr van Egmond was suspended from his role pending the outcome of an investigation into workplace safety issues at the council.
The findings of an internal staff listening and support process into the organisational culture at Hobsons Bay council will be released at the end of this month.
Mr Tanner will also prepare a report for the Minister for Local Government at the end of his tenure as monitor.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander welcomed Mr Tanner’s appointment, saying it would add to the progress council had already made in resolving long-standing issues at the organisation.
“Everyone at council is committed to working with Mr Tanner as we continue on the path to delivering the high standard of service our community pays for and rightfully expects,” Cr Kellander said.
Mr Tanner acknowledged the work council had already done to identify and address the issues at Hobsons Bay.
“I’m looking forward to working with the councillors and executive team over the coming months to help the organisation continue that journey so the community can have great faith in its local council,” Mr Tanner said.
In addition to Mr Tanner commencing his role as municipal monitor, council has also appointed Lenny Jenner as the independent chair of the Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters Committee.
The former long-term chief executive of the Borough of Queenscliffe, Mr Jenner will chair the committee and work with councillors to begin the recruitment process for a new chief executive.
