Coomalie Community Government Council president Sharion Beswick steps down from LGANT board

The LGANT president confirmed the board resignation of the council president’s, thanking her for “her commitment and dedication”.

Coomalie Community Government Council president Sharon Beswick. PICTURE: Supplied

Nearly a week after all elected members from a second Territory council were suspended from office, the council president has now also stepped down from the Territory’s local government association.

Local Government Association NT President Kon Vatskalis confirmed Coomalie Community Government Council president Sharion Beswick stood down from her LGANT board position on Sunday, July 28.

Mr Vatskalis said he accepted her resignation on Monday, July 29.

“I thank Sharon for her commitment and dedication to the LGANT Board since her election in November 2022,” he said.

“The LGANT Board will vote at their next meeting on whether to appoint an eligible person to fill the vacancy until the November 2024 AGM or leave the position vacant until then (as allowable under the Constitution).”

Mr Vatskalis again expressed his concern that another Territory local government was under investigation.

“LGANT has continuously highlighted that the current local government code of conduct framework is inadequate to prevent inappropriate behaviour and breaches of governance in local government councils and it is undermining the trust of the public in the sector,” he said.

Ms Beswick’s resignation comes after all elected members were suspended from Coomalie Community Government Council on Tuesday, July 22, by Local Government Minister Chansey Paech.

Earlier in June, all elected members from Barkly Regional Council were also suspended by Mr Paech.

Cathryn Hutton was appointed by Mr Paech to investigate Coomalie council, with a report of her findings due March 14 next year.