‘Lift your game’: Minister threatens Dubbo council

Embattled Dubbo Regional Council has been told to lift its game amid claims of bullying and harassment, just a day after mayor Ben Shields quit two months after attempting to take his own life.

The embattled Dubbo Regional Council has now officially been told to improve its performance by the local government Minister, the first step in a potential suspension of the council.

Shelley Hancock issued a notice for a Performance Improvement Order to council on Tuesday, pointing to allegations of bullying and harassment, conflict between councillors and a lack of confidence by the public as a reason for stepping in.

Under her power as local government Minister, Mrs Hancock has the ability to appoint a temporary advisor to oversee council.

But she said if council did not lift its game she would go further and even consider a temporary suspension.

The embattled council been told to improve a day after mayor Ben Shields quit. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Shelley Hancock issued a notice for a Performance Improvement Order. Picture: Christian Gilles/NCA NewsWire

Mrs Hancock’s sternly worded letter came just a day after mayor Ben Shields announced his resignation, the culmination of a toxic few months for the western New South Wales council.

In listing her reasons for issuing a performance improvement order, Mrs Hancock referred to restrictions that had been placed on Mr Shields by his fellow councillors - including limiting his access to work phones and emails, and reducing his pay.

“There is evidence that some Council staff are feeling bullied and harassed by some councillors which has resulted in them having to seek medical advice and have time off work,” the minister’s letter states.

“There is evidence that the current conflict between councillors is eroding the community’s confidence in council and impacting on council’s reputation.”

Mrs Hancock will also require all councillors enter into a written undertaking to:

■Conduct themselves in a manner that does not constitute bullying or harassment of council staff
■Refrain from any action of reprisal against any council staff member for performing their duties
■ Refrain from making public allegations of wrongdoing against other council officials
■Use the proper processes for making allegations of wrongdoing against other council officials
■Refrain from interfering in code of conduct matters.

Dubbo Regional Council and its councillors have now been asked to make submissions to the Minister in response to her proposal.

Minister Hancock told The Daily Telegraph the move was made in a bid to get the council “back on track”.

Among the reasons for issuing a performance improvement order, Mrs Hancock pointed to restrictions placed on Cr Shields by his fellow councillors - including limiting his access to work phones and emails, and reducing his pay. Picture: Ryan Young

“After a turbulent period, the NSW Government is becoming involved to ensure Dubbo Regional Council gets back on track,” Mrs Hancock said.

“This proposed PIO is intended to lift councillor standards of behaviour, ensure proper processes are followed, protect the health and safety of staff, provide strict supervision, and encourage community confidence in Dubbo Regional Council.”

Should the proposal be put in place, a determination on whether council had complied with the order - and if further action is needed - would be handed down by August 30, 2021.

In a statement, Dubbo Regional council said they would “consider making a formal submission within the 7 days as outlined in the correspondence”.