Last week’s open letter to Ms Horne called for a state-appointed municipal monitor to oversee council’s actions.
Under the Local Government Act 2020, Ms Horne can appoint a municipal monitor to observe and report on governance issues at Victorian councils, as well as making recommendations to Ms Horne for further action.
“I have found the councillor conduct complaints process highly inefficient, flawed and traumatic. Hence why I am now writing to you directly rather than completing the complaints process, having tried this avenue,” Cr Demsey’s letter read.
“I would like to be able to return to the chamber and see the governance processes restored and behaviour monitored so I can fulfil my councillor duties.
“I am requesting a municipal monitor be appointed to the Northern Grampians Shire Council immediately.
“I know several community members and groups have already written to you requesting this, so I hope you can now take action as I am deeply traumatised by my councillor experience and would like to see positive change please.”
Mayor Rob Haswell released a statement in response to Cr Dempsey’s open letter.
“Northern Grampians Shire Council is concerned by a recent Facebook post by councillor Lauren Dempsey requesting the Minister for Local Government, The Hon Minister Horne MP, to appoint a monitor for the council,” Cr Haswell said.
“Northern Grampians Shire Council is governed by the Local Government Act 2020 which establishes a councillor conduct framework and provides a clear hierarchy for management of councillor conduct issues.
“Councillors will often agree on a wide range of issues, but will also disagree and have robust discussions.
“The request from Cr Dempsey comes after she made a misconduct complaint against fellow councillors.”
Cr Haswell said there had been no findings of misconduct or serious misconduct against any councillors during the current council term.
“The council is functioning well, including adopting the budget on July 1, and is running its meetings as per the code of conduct,” Cr Haswell said.
Cr Dempsey said Cr Haswell’s disclosure of her misconduct complaint was ‘a massive breach of confidentiality’.
“The council clearly do not have the best interest or safety of their councillors at heart. I’m really disappointed,” she said.
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