Independent Administrator John Tanner AM Statement to Council

Published on 22 March 2023

Welcome

Welcome to this evening’s Shire Council meeting and thank you for attending it as my first in my role as Independent Administrator of the Council.

My role

Since taking up my appointment last week, many people have been asking about my role.

My role is that of the Independent Administrator.

As such, I not only carry out the role of Mayor, but also the Councillors. This means that I act as the Council.

I have the authority under the Local Government Act to undertake this role and to make the appropriate decisions on the information and proposals that are put before me by the Council Administration.

This also extends to the community. I am also open to meeting with community members and stakeholder groups on matters of importance to them and the Shire and its future.

Not the CEO

I must stress, I’m not the CEO of the Council – that is not my role.

However, I want to assure you that I’m working closely with the current Acting CEO Joshua Lewis to ensure good governance practices are in place to enable council services to be delivered effectively for the community and that the health and wellbeing of the staff are a priority.

In my tenure here over the three months period, I also want to lay the foundations for ensuring that the interests of local residents and business have a solid basis on which to flourish.

It will be from these foundations that the permanent Panel of Administrators can work towards to ensuring good governance practices are restored so that elections can be held at the Shire in 2028.

Commission of Inquiry has ended.

Another thing that many people have been concerned about is the Independent Commission of Inquiry.

Firstly, I want the community to know that the Independent Commission into the Council’s operations is finished – the Inquiry and the Commission have ended.

It was from this that the Commission’s report was presented to the Minister for Local Government and this led to legislation being introduced to Parliament in the second week of March to dissolve the Council and appoint me as Independent Administrator for this three month period.

Key areas of role

Now, let me turn to some key areas of my role.

Naturally, I have a number of important tasks ahead of me.

Apart from my focus on the Council and its operations, I’m also addressing the key recommendations of the Commission.

Both of these bring me to the community perspective.

What I want to look into are the aspirations that drive the community to have pride in the shire and to be part of it.

An essential part of this is the Council’s engagement and relationships with the community.

I acknowledge there have been difficulties in the past from both the community’s and the staff’s perspectives.

I want to assure you that I have every confidence that the Council’s staff will play their part in this and I hope that community share this also.

Therefore, I’m looking for the community to be involved in the wide range of activities more than ever.

This is why I’m embarking on meeting with people to hear from them.

As a country person who values country life, a chat and an undertaking are as important as a handshake.

We are ‘in this together’ and this is my commitment throughout my time here.

Key recommendations – opportunity to reset and build.

This also falls into line with one of the key Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.

The Commission and the Minister for Local Government want to see the development of community leaders and, in turn, building community capacity.

My experience as the Administrator of the Brimbank Council shows that this can be achieved.

Media enquiries: Scott Williams Email: swilliams@moira.vic.gov.au Mobile: 0484 393 920

You may see the Commission’s inquiry and report as a loss of democratic representation, but this has happened for a number of reasons.

Rest assured; you are also not alone in being under administration.

There are two others currently – Casey and Whittlesea. Both are under administration until October next year (2024). And there have been others in the past including South Gippsland and Brimbank.

However, I’m determined that we use this period as the ‘opportunity to reset and build’ not only a strong and resilient Council and a Community for the future, but also One of which we all can be proud.

KEY QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO JOHN TANNER AM

“As Independent Administrator, I not only carry out the role of Mayor, but also the Councillors. This means that I act as the Council.”

“In my tenure here over the three month period, I also want to lay the foundations for ensuring that the interests of local residents and business have a solid basis on which to flourish.”

“I’m looking for the community to be involved in the wide range of Council activities more than ever. This is why I’m embarking on meeting with people to hear from them.”

“I’m determined that we use this period as the ‘opportunity to reset’ and build not only a strong and resilient Council and a Community for the future, but also one of which we all can be proud.”