Minister says ‘let’s just wait’ when asked about sacking Geelong councillors

Rumblings between Geelong councillors boiled over during a public meeting this week. The minister has their futures in her hands and she’s weighed in.

Geelong city council with inset of Local Government Minister Melissa Horne.

Sacking Geelong councillors and appointing administrators in their place has not been ruled out by Victorian Local Government Minister Melissa Horne.

This week the City of Greater Geelong’s council meeting turned testy at times with barbs traded between councillors, some across political lines.

City Hall is under increasing pressure with one staffer saying “morale is at rock bottom” due to an ongoing restructure that’s already seen 19 roles made redundant and potential for more job losses.

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Council’s budget, which includes a $196m spend on infrastructure, was adopted this week after a passionate community campaign to restore funding to libraries, the Kardinia pool and lifesaving.

Incoming chief executive Ali Wastie will need to cut more $7m from council’s budget, and will have to address other issues affecting City Hall’s operation.

Asked to rule out appointing administrators to Geelong council, Ms Horne told a parliamentary committee this month: “Let us just wait. I am having periodic updates from the monitors ... who are really confident in the process of appointing a CEO. They are saying that is what really needs to happen before any other decisions are made.”

City of Greater Geelong council mayor Trent Sullivan said Ms Wastie would work effectively to “steer the city forward”.

“All of our councillors are passionate about their role. While we don’t agree on every issue, we’re all committed to working together to be a high performing council that serves the best interests of the community,” Mr Sullivan said.

“The councillors and our Acting CEO have worked positively with the monitors since their appointment and will continue to do so while they remain in place.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said: “For months, state Labor has been looking for any excuse to sack the council. It is clear this state government is only interested in supporting councils and other government organisations which are stacked with Labor mates and operatives. These threats are a bit rich from a state government which is mired in corruption allegations and is crippling Victoria in debt.”

A state government spokesman did not respond when asked if Ms Horne’s position had changed since her June 14 comments about potential for administrators at Geelong council.

He said monitors, Prue Digby and Peter Dorling, were appointed to Geelong council until January 24 next year.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said the state government needed to give council certainty.

“If they are going to sack the council get on with it or if they aren’t going to, provide support; people need to have certainty,” Mr Johnston said.

He said the city’s reputation suffered when City Hall was in turmoil.

“Council has an absolutely critical role to be playing (in the future of the city) and all of the negative commentary that’s been surrounding the council in recent months is damaging to the brand and reputation of Geelong.

“Despite that damage to the brand of the Geelong, the city is going through almost unprecedented growth and opportunity.”

Originally published as Minister says ‘let’s just wait’ when asked about sacking Geelong councillors