Glenorchy to get protocols for council

GLENORCHY City Council aldermen will formally receive ministerial directions arising from the Board of Inquiry today — its first ordinary council meeting since the January 15 election.

The 36 directions focus on several key areas including governance, training, policies and procedures, committees and memberships, compliance and employment contracts.

They include development of statements of expectations between the mayor, deputy mayor and general manager to establish clear and agreed protocols for the fulfilment of respective roles.

Mayor Kristie Johnston said the recommendations would be received in open council and consideration given as to how they would be implemented.

“That will be a really important step forward in drawing a line in the sand in terms of previous council behaviours,” she said.

The directions set out a grievance procedure for council staff.

Planning and Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein last year sacked the council amid ongoing dysfunction and ordered a Board of Inquiry examine governance issues.

On January 29 Mr Gutwein wrote to the council issuing the ministerial directions which were based on the Board of Inquiry’s recommendations.

“While I acknowledge that the election of a new council signals a new start for Glenorchy, I am also of the opinion that the council has a significant task to rebuild confidence, trust, transparency and accountability within its community,” he said.

The council had a special council meeting on February 8 but today is the first ordinary meeting of the new council.

The council is also expected to formally endorse the Hobart City Deal at the meeting.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Will Hodgman signed the heads of agreement for the City Deal on January 16.

Alderman Johnston said the council was interested in transport options, light rail in particular, affordable housing and a Greater Hobart Act.