A report into the behaviour of the previous Brimbank council has found it “struggled to ensure good governance and demonstrate appropriate behaviour” while some councillor conduct “could be considered abusive”.
In a decision which was supported by councillors at the time, the local government minister appointed municipal monitors to oversee the council between February and December 2024 to help resolve ongoing issues.
The council in question was elected in November 2020 and sat until November 2024.
The tenure of the two monitors, Janet Dore and Penelope Holloway, was extended until June 30, 2025 at total cost to Brimbank ratepayers of $144,000.
In a report to the local government minister which was released this week, the monitors concluded that some councillors did not fully understand their role and responsibilities, did not respect staff and each other, and struggled to work together effectively.
Monitors highlighted some councillors demonstrated inappropriate behaviour towards the chief executive, senior staff and each other, and made the assessment that some councillors had “engaged in abusive and bullying behaviour to the extent that it caused mental distress to senior staff and to councillor colleagues.”
Some councillors and senior staff were so distressed they sought medical assistance, according to the report.
The report cited examples of behaviour between councillors including “unfounded accusations being made on social media, shouting, snide comments, ‘ambushing’ behaviour in council meetings and threats about retribution”.
Monitors noted poor councillor relations were “amplified” in the lead up to and after the 2023 mayoral election, with relationships becoming “even more toxic” after an altercation in a public council meeting erupted, resulting in a councillor walking out.
Another reason cited by monitors for the previous council’s underperformance related to how council meetings were conducted, specifically in relation to notices of motion and public question time.
While the monitors acknowledged the previous council had “good written meeting procedures and governance rules” they recommended council review its procedures for notices of motion, which monitors said were used by councillors too often and on issues unrelated to local government, or as a way to promote themselves.
In response to the issues raised in the report, the monitors presented a ten-point plan to improve governance. The plan was adopted by the previous council and promptly agreed to by the current council.
The plan covers the roles of councillors, the role of the chief executive, governance rules, and council policies as well as topics on respect, maintaining strategic vision, and advice related to council meeting procedures.
Councillors in the current council undertook an intensive induction process over the first six months after the 2024 election with monitors observing goodwill amongst the councillors throughout the program.
“We are confident that the current council can turn the page in the reputational history of Brimbank City Council if the commitment and approach so far is continued,” the report said.
”This will require firm leadership by both the mayor of the day and the CEO.”
In addition to the feedback to review notice of motion procedures, the monitors recommended council report regularly to the community and the minister on its performance against the revised ten-point action plan.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang released a statement following the release of the report.
“I am pleased to see the report acknowledges that council has made significant progress towards improved governance and we will continue to keep a focus on this,” she said.
“I have written to the minister for local government to acknowledge the observations made in the report.
“Along with my fellow councillors, we are collectively committed to working together for the benefit of the entire Brimbank community.”
