CHAMBER OF SECRETS
EXCLUSIVE: Watchdog called in to investigate as conflict plagues Surf Coast council
THE Local Government Inspectorate is investigating a complaint about conduct within Surf Coast Shire council, reportedly over information being leaked from the troubled organisation.
THE Local Government Inspectorate is investigating a complaint about conduct within Surf Coast Shire Council.
Geelong Advertiser understands the inspectorate will investigate allegations of information being leaked from council.
Separately, the council has decided to bring on a contract principal conduct officer to investigate councillor complaints.
It is understood bitter infighting behind closed doors has led the Surf Coast Shire to seek an external mediator to deal with complaints.
Lawyer Terry Bramham is expected to be the contract principal conduct officer, with council formally recognising him as “a suitably qualified person”.
Mr Bramham works for Macquarie Local Government Lawyers, based in Melbourne.
Surf Coast Shire Council yesterday refused to disclose how much he would be paid.
Mayor David Bell confirmed the primary role of the officer would be to work through issues between councillors.
“We’ve brought in a principal conduct officer to alleviate senior staff dealing with concerns between councillors,” Cr Bell said.
He confirmed “there is a matter under investigation” by the Local Government Inspectorate but said he could not comment further “as it is ongoing”.
Council also refused to comment on the investigation.
A spokesman for the inspectorate confirmed the investigation.
“The Local Government Inspectorate is investigating a complaint in relation to Surf Coast Shire Council,” the spokesman said.
“The inspectorate deals with complaints or requests for investigation in strict confidence and does not provide comment on investigations are yet to be finalised.”
A general overview of inspectorate inquiries lists the potential for formal interviews with involved parties and previous investigations into other councils have resulted in the seizure of computer equipment.
Councillors were contacted but either declined to comment or did not return calls.
Surf Coast Shire Council has been no stranger to controversy over the past 18 months.
There were numerous public spats over a decision to fly a rainbow flag at their offices in support of the LGBTI community.
Winchelsea ward councillor Heather Wellington — who was one of the fierce campaigners against the flag — later told a public meeting that the decision had “caused incredible harm to relationships within the community and within council”.
In March, Cr Brian McKiterick (a policeman) claimed his superior police officers told him to back away from his opposition to flying the rainbow flag.
“I can confirm in late May I had a meeting with (police) senior management involving council — where I was the Mayor — and I was instructed not to make any further comment in public, or comment in council, with respect to the rainbow flag issue,” Cr McKiterick said.
In April, insiders told the Addy tensions had become so toxic councillors were told a third party acting as chaperone must be present if Cr Bell was to meet with certain rival councillors.
An email from the mayor to councillors and executive staff, seen by the Addy, in April stated: “Since we resolved to work together to address these issues, 10 councillor conduct complaints have been made against me by two councillors.
“They (the complaints) do include concerns about individual posts by others on social media, use of language and distribution of correspondence.”