A second municipal monitor has been appointed to oversee Hobsons Bay council, while the term of the existing monitor has been extended due to ongoing governance concerns.
Former Glen Eira council chief executive Rebecca McKenzie joins John Tanner in monitoring the council which was found to have a ‘toxic’ workplace culture in an independent report released in July.
The report, based on the testimony of council employees who took part in listening and support process into its workplace culture, concluded sexual harassment, bullying and an excessive workload were among the issues causing the toxic environment at the council.
Former chief executive Aaron Van Egmond was suspended when the allegations first came to light in January last year and resigned from the position in April.
Mr Tanner, a former Brimbank council administrator, was appointed as monitor on 29 May by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos.
“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,” Mr Staikos said in announcing the appointment which was originally six months.
In early January, citing ‘ongoing governance concerns’ at the council, Mr Staikos announced that Mr Tanner’s term would be extended until 30 June and that Ms McKenzie would join him as co-monitor, while also performing the same role at Mornington Peninsula council.
The minister’s office was contacted.
In a statement on its website, Hobsons Bay council welcomed Ms McKenzie’s appointment.
“Ms McKenzie brings considerable experience and expertise in local government, having previously served as a chief executive officer and senior executive,” the statement said.
“The monitors’ roles are to provide advice, assistance and support to council in strengthening governance processes and practices, building on recent significant improvements already undertaken across council.”
Hobsons Bay council declined to comment any further.
The appointment of Ms McKenzie and extension of Mr Tanner comes just days before Hobsons Bay’s new permanent chief executive, Phu Nguyen, takes up the role on 19 January.
