Can monitors finish early?

Minister gets update and is asked …

COUNCILLORS have their fingers crossed pleas for State Government-appointed monitors to be removed have been heard after a “relaxed chat” with Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek.

Geelong Deputy Mayor Peter Murrihy met the minister this week to cover “a range of topics” regarding council’s performance, and said the freedom from monitors would be a confidence boost for councillors and the community.

But Cr Murrihy said Mr Somyurek “gave nothing away” about the future of the two monitors, who are due to remain until October 2020.

“The monitors took up the majority of the conversation and he kept his cards pretty close to his chest. He just wanted to listen and see what we had to say in regard to them,” Cr Murrihy said.

“I expressed the opinion of the council we think we’re doing a pretty good job and that there’s probably no need for monitors any more going forward and he was appreciative of our thoughts.

“It would be a real confidence boost for the council themselves if the monitors were to be removed and I think the people of Geelong would see it as a real confidence in the council if the State Government sees that and the monitors are removed.”

Cr Murrihy said council was aware the monitors’ reports had been generally supportive, and called for their findings to be more publicly accessible to show people they were able to function to the right standard.

Monitors’ update documents are released quarterly — the latest available from the quarter ending June 30, 2018.

Mr Somyurek said he would consider council’s request.

“The people of Geelong expect the highest standards from their council and the monitors were appointed until the next election to ensure the council reaches those standards.” he said.