Town has 21 days to respond
Local Government Minister David Templeman today issued the Town of Cambridge with a show cause notice asking why the local government should not be suspended for up to six months and require council members to undertake governance training.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, the Town of Cambridge has 21 days to respond.
Due to escalating complaints related to the relationship between the Town’s Council and the Administration, an Authorised Inquiry was initiated by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in April 2018.
Since then, the Authorised Inquiry has uncovered a number of failures of the Council to ensure that the local government performs its functions properly.
This inquiry is ongoing and a report will be provided to State Parliament in due course.
Based on evidence provided, the Minister suspects that the Council has failed to ensure that:
- elected members understand and observe their respective roles regarding administrative and operational functions;
- the working environment between the Council, the CEO and the employees was free from involvement or interference by councillors; and
- the workplace culture for employees was free from intimidation and undue pressure.
In accordance with obligations under the Act, the Minister will decide what action to take after he has received a response from the Town of Cambridge.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
“I have concerns about the Town’s ability to effectively manage operations and provide good governance for the people in its community.
“I have formed a suspicion about matters in the show cause notice, that if correct, would make it inappropriate for the Council to continue to act.
“I am committed to protecting the interests of ratepayers and ensuring residents and businesses in the Town of Cambridge can have confidence in their council.
“I do not take these actions lightly.”
