Municipal monitor’s term complete

The State Government could receive a report about the governance practices of Horsham Rural City Council within a week.

Municipal monitor Jude Holt’s six-month term concluded on Tuesday. She will detail the council’s efforts to improve governance in a report to Local Government Minister Melissa Horne.

Ms Horne appointed a municipal monitor to the council, at its request, in July.

A government spokesperson said other correspondence and media reports had also indicated ‘inappropriate councillor conduct’ resulting in ‘risks to good governance and councillor and staff health and safety’.

A monitor observes governance processes and reports on issues, provides advice to the council and makes recommendations to Ms Horne for further action.

“Following the tenure of Ms Jude Holt, a report will soon be provided to the Minister for Local Government,” the government spokesperson said.

“The minister will then determine whether any further action at Horsham Rural City Council is needed.

“Councils are the level of government closest to the people and it is imperative that they represent the communities they serve.”

Ms Holt, of Wedderburn, is a finance and governance professional with 30 years of experience.

Horsham council chief executive Sunil Bhalla thanked Ms Holt for her assistance.

“As an organisation we all share a common goal to do the best we can for our community and we are always looking for opportunities to improve,” Mr Bhalla said.

“The next step is for Ms Holt to provide a report to the Minister for Local Government. As a council, we are not privy to that process.”