Edward River Council Extraordinary Council Meeting 25 June 2024

Published on 21 June 2024

Edward River Council has been issued with a Notice of Intention to Issue a Performance Improvement Order from the Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP.

On Tuesday 18 June 2024, Council received a letter from the Minister outlining that there is evidence that Councillor behaviour reflects a lack of understanding of Council’s Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice, and that Council risks reputational damage and noncompliance with its workplace health and safety obligations.

Council will consider the Notice at an open Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 25 June at 8.30am to discuss lodging a submission regarding the proposed Performance Improvement Order within 7 days of receipt of the Notice.

Mr Mark Dalzell, Acting Chief Executive Officer, said “Council is and will continue to cooperate fully with the Office of Local Government in respect to this matter. I can confirm that the community remains Councillors and the organisation’s central focus, and that there will be no impact to service delivery.”

Should the Performance Improvement Order be issued, a temporary adviser may be appointed and Council will be required to take specific actions to address the behaviours to the satisfaction of the Minister.

“Council expects to receive further information from the Minister and the Office of Local Government in the next 4 to 6 weeks. We intend to keep the community fully informed throughout the process.” Mr Dalzell said.

Detailed information about the process is contained within the Office of Local Government Performance and Suspension Orders Procedural Framework, available on the Office of Local Government website.

ENDS