Dramatic move as entire regional Victorian council sacked

A slew of explosive revelations has resulted in an entire local council being sacked after a report was tabled in parliament.

An entire Victorian council is set to be sacked after a commission of inquiry found councillors were not performing their roles as required.

The dramatic move will disband Moira Shire Council, north of Shepparton, as announced by Local Government Minister Melissa Horne on Tuesday, who called the report “deeply concerning”.

A mix of poor organisational culture, staff safety and governance issues were identified by the commission as reasons behind its demise.

Ms Horne said the slew of recommendations from the inquiry was the reason behind her decision.

Melissa Horne on Tuesday called the report ‘deeply concerning’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

The report was tabled in the Victorian parliament on Tuesday.

“The findings of the report are deeply concerning,” Ms Horne said.

“Councils must properly represent the communities they serve, and Moira residents deserve to have a council that puts their interests first.”

It follows the shire’s manager of operations Rick Devlin’s murder at his home in the area in August 2021.

Mr Devlin was killed by colleague Andrew Paterson over a perceived “conspiracy” to remove him from his job.

Paterson was jailed 26 years with a non-parole period of 21 years over the crime.

A panel of administrators is expected to take control of the council for the next five years to address “serious issues” before the next election in 2028.

Originally published as Dramatic move as entire regional Victorian council sacked