Former Geelong council administrator Peter Dorling, Prue Digby appointed to oversee council for a year

Concerns have been raised about the integrity of the search for a permanent Geelong council boss. Now experienced local government watchdogs have been called in.

Peter Dorling, centre, pictured with former Geelong council administrators Laurinda Gardner, left, and Kathy Alexander, right. Picture: Jay Town.

A former administrator of Geelong council is one of two monitors appointed to oversee the entire organisation for a year including its search for a permanent chief executive.

Peter Dorling, an administrator of the council between 2016 and 2018 and a monitor of it in 2019, and Prue Digby, a monitor of the South Gippsland council between 2021 and 2022, will oversee Geelong council.

It comes after the Chief Municipal Inspector looked into Geelong council and its chief executive search with a focus on integrity and transparency.

It is understood the municipal monitors are likely to recommend a candidate for the chief executive position to the Local Government Minister Melissa Horne, following input from a council sub-committee.

The Geelong Advertiser was told the appointment of monitors may have come after names of candidates in the chief executive search were spread outside the committee.

Prior to the appointment of the monitors, the committee was about to interview candidates for the chief executive role.

A source said monitors were appointed to oversee the chief executive search after a complaint was made to Local Government Victoria by a person connected to the council.

The sub-committee currently overseeing council’s chief executive search includes Mayor Trent Sullivan, Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, councillors Stephanie Asher, Jim Mason and Belinda Moloney, and independent member and former genU chief executive Mike McKinstry.

Former Geelong council strategy, people and performance director, Kaarina Phyland, is the organisation’s acting chief executive.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said Ms Digby and Mr Dorling had extensive governance experience, and had knowledge to “effectively guide” Geelong council “to refocus on its community.”

“Residents of Greater Geelong deserve a council that represents their needs. As the level of government closest to the people, councils play a vital role in communities across the state and it’s imperative they have a positive and inclusive culture,” Ms Horne said.

The state government would not release Minister Horne’s letter to council outlining reasons for the appointment of monitors.

Geelong council Mayor Trent Sullivan said the tenure of the monitors would be “constructive and positive”.

“We look forward to working with Prue Digby and Peter Dorling to secure the best candidate for the role of chief executive officer,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for our community.”

Originally published as Former Geelong council administrator Peter Dorling, Prue Digby appointed to oversee council for a year