Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

The Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock has today issued Wingecarribee Shire Council with a notice of intention to suspend it for three months and appoint an interim administrator.

It follows serious concerns about the council’s ability to function properly and effectively following a worsening and ongoing breakdown of relationships between councillors and senior staff.

Mediation and training provided to the mayor and councillors and appointment of a temporary adviser under a Performance Improvement Order has not had the desired effect of addressing the issues facing the council.

Council now has seven days to explain why it should not be suspended and an independent administrator appointed to identify and address the serious issues impacting its functioning and restore community confidence.

The Minister is required under the Local Government Act to provide the council with the opportunity to make any submission before making a final determination on suspension. By law the Minister must consider any submission before making a final decision.

Suspension would apply to the mayor and councillors. It would not affect council staff and daily operations. The interim administrator would perform the functions of the mayor and councillors.

MEDIA: Jane Boag | 0419 417 514