Conflict claim shrugged off
A STATE Government planning authority has dismissed concerns over a conflict of interest in its chair’s role as Geelong’s chief municipal monitor.
Jude Munro’s dual roles as council watchdog and Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) chair sparked concerns when the VPA made a submission to the city’s Settlement Strategy and Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas project, supporting a settlement boundary request from Boral.
At a September meeting councillor Jim Mason had noted his surprise at the VPA’s support of Boral’s submission, while Cr Anthony Aitken called out Ms Munro’s “potential conflict of interest”.
“Jude Munro is actually the chair of the Victorian Planning
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Authority, and she is the chief monitor in the City of Greater Geelong, and if she hasn’t declared an interest on this particular issue, it is a significant governance failing that’s actually occurred,” Cr Aitken said.
“She does wear two hats, which actually has the potential to put undue pressure on the officers within the city.”
VPA chief executive Stuart Mosely wrote to council this month dismissing a potential conflict of interest.
“At Ms Munro’s instigation, the VPA obtained legal advice from the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO) prior to her acceptance of the role of Municipal Monitor. The VGSO advised that as the role of Monitor is essentially advisory, there is no conflict with her role as Chair of the VPA,” Mr Moseley’s letter stated.
“Despite this Ms Munro has chosen to declare her role as Monitor to the rest of our Board, and to absent herself from any Board discussions relating to Geelong.
“The VPA’s submission on amendment C395, which I understand prompted Councillor Aitken’s comments, was approved by the acting CEO.
“The Chair had no involvement in preparing or reviewing the submission. Our submission to Planning Panels Victoria in relation to C395 included a reference to our Chair’s dual role.
“From the VPA’s perspective, I am confident that effective measures are being taken to manage the perception that there may be a conflict between Ms Munro’s roles as Chair of the VPA and as Principal Municipal Monitor for the City of Greater Geelong.”