Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Friday, 11 December 2020

Armidale councillors will be reinstated from December 12 under strict controls and expert supervision as part of a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) issued by the NSW Government.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock welcomed a return to local democracy, however, cautioned councillors to put their political differences aside and work together in the best interests of the local community.

“A significant amount of time and effort has been invested over the past six months to restore the proper and effective functioning of the council and it’s vital that this important work continues,” Mrs Hancock said.

“The reinstated councillors have the opportunity to prove that they can do the job they were elected to do and work together in the best interests of the local community.”

The PIO places restrictions on councillors’ functions and decision-making powers with oversight by the Office of Local Government and the expert supervision of a financial controller/temporary adviser.

“I am pleased that John Rayner PSM has agreed to take on the dual role of financial controller and temporary adviser at the council to provide the financial and governance oversight required to implement the PIO,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Mr Rayner has done an outstanding job at the council over the past few months as acting general manager.

“I am confident that the PIO will provide the tools to strengthen the council’s finances, governance practices, statutory compliance, conduct and performance.

“I would like to thank interim administrator Viv May PSM and Mr Rayner for their hard work and dedication and wish incoming general manager James Roncon the best of luck in his new role.”

The Minister considered the council’s submission and interim administrator’s final report before making a final determination to issue the PIO.

The PIO can be accessed on the Office of Local Government’s website here.

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | 0438 255 020