Andrews Government moves to sack Casey council amid IBAC probe of developer donations
Administrators are set to take charge of City of Casey after the Andrews Government this week decided to sack the scandal-plagued council, with its dismissal expected to be pushed through parliament this week.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Democratic elections may not return to City of Casey until 2024, with laws to be introduced today that will hand control over to administrators.
It comes after the Andrews Government decided to sack the scandal-plagued council.
Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek said the lengthy wait was partly due to the timing of council elections later this year.
“We’re going to recommend 2024 as a time that democracy returns to council,” he said.
“Democratic representation needs to be delayed for an extended period of time in order for administrators to do their job.
“We’re only months out from an election.”
Under the plan, the next vote would run with the next run of council elections across the state.
Mr Somyurek said administrators would also consider the outcomes of an ongoing IBAC hearing into the behaviour of Casey councillors.
“The administrators role at the moment will be to go in there and embed some good governance practices,” he said.
It comes after the Herald Sun revealed Premier Daniel Andrews’ Cabinet on Monday decided to dismiss the council, acting on the recommendations of an independent monitor installed late last year.
The council has been embroiled in controversy since the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission held explosive public hearings last year into donations made by property developers.
Among the nine councillors to be sacked are Sam Aziz, who pocketed $900,000 from developers but remains overseas, having flown to Egypt before IBAC’s hearings started.
Former Hawthorn premiership player Geoff Ablett will also be dismissed.
Councillors Timothy Jackson and Rex Flannery resigned last Friday before the axe could fall, with Mr Jackson calling on the government to intervene.
It sparked a public slanging match between several Casey councillors.
The Andrews Government will have to introduce a Bill into state parliament to exercise its power to sack the council.
It is expected to pass through the parliament without delay, with the Opposition having called for the council to be dismissed since December.
The state government is expected to release the independent monitor’s report on Tuesday.
Casey mayor Susan Serey said Mr Somyurek was “respectful and understanding of our situation and keen to be fully informed” before today’s Cabinet meeting.
She said councillors would remain in place before legislation to dismiss them had passed state parliament.
“This has no impact on the immediate and day-to-day operations of the Council. Tomorrow night’s council meeting will continue as planned,” she said.
The other councillors to be sacked are Casey mayor and former Liberal candidate Susan Serey, as well as Rosalie Crestani, Milla Gilic, Amanda Stapledon, Gary Rowe, Damien Rosario and Wayne Smith.
Cr Rosalie Crestani said she was “extremely disappointed” to hear the council would be sacked.
“To me, I think the law is faulty and the law of citizens are available to everyone - except Casey councillors,” she said.
“I’m not giving up hope yet. If they move to do this it’s going to be a real travesty for the community as they will lose all their representation.
“I’m hoping for a miracle and if we are sacked then I’ll definitely be running again for council as I’ve always made the community my priority.”
MORE NEWS
GEORGE’S NEW WOES AFTER ATTEMPT TO SELL EMPIRE
SOUTHEAST MELBOURNE’S WORST DRUG DEALERS EXPOSED
‘HOLDEN IS WALKING AWAY FROM AUSTRALIA’
Cr Geoff Ablett, a Hawthorn premiership player, said he was furious at the minister for sacking a council based on “no evidence” whatsoever.
“This has been a complete mob rule trial by the media — I’m extremely disappointed by the minister’s decision,” Cr Ablett said.
“The evidence given so far hasn’t been properly examined and the council has not been given a fair opportunity.”
He said he was “extremely proud” of everything he had achieved on council in the past 12 years.
“Thank you to the residents who have supported me and my family over the years and during the past few months.
“Casey achieved a lot as a council — we did a fantastic job and I hope the community will remember that.”