The Minister for Local Government’s likely decision to recommend to the Governor to dismiss the Huon Valley Council councillors (pursuant to section 226(2) of the Local Government Act 1993) is a course of action that I fully support. I believe dismissal of council would, as the situation stands, be in the best interests of the people of the Huon Valley.
I withdrew from the mediation process, ordered by Minister Peter Gutwein, because Heart of the Huon councillors and the general manager have demonstrated no genuine commitment to that process.
A clear demonstration of that lack of commitment on the part of most councillors was the decision, at the August 31 ordinary meeting of council, to prevent me, as mayor, from being an ex officio member on council committees.
Earlier, at council’s special meeting on August 11, a management report, published for public consumption, contained material defamatory of me that asserted that, as mayor, I had breached Mr Gutwein’s Ministerial Directions on 15 occasions.
As mayor, I considered both matters to be extremely serious; and that they compromised me in adequately representing the Huon Valley community on council.
Both of these events occurred during the mediation process. I emphasise that I have not withdrawn from participation in Minister Gutwein’s other Ministerial Directions.
I support Mr Gutwein’s intention to appoint a commissioner for at least 12 months. This would give the community stability and a breathing space in which to address the many issues facing the council.
Although I am disappointed that the change in culture that is needed has not been achieved by the current council, I am confident that an appropriately qualified and experienced commissioner would bring significant benefits to the Huon Valley community.
I would like to thank all those ratepayers and residents who have stood by me and my family through what has been a difficult and exhausting period. All those persons who assisted in bringing about this change are to be commended for their efforts.
I know that Minister Gutwein and Premier Will Hodgman will have received letters of concern about their council from Huon Valley residents. I believe these representations will have assisted Minister Gutwein in his deliberations.
I also acknowledge and thank those councillors who have been prepared to give sincere mediation a go, and to work for a changed culture within council.
Although there has been public criticism of myself as mayor from some of my fellow councillors and certain business leaders, I bear no ill will. We live in a nation where freedom of speech is highly treasured.
However, change must come to our valley, and I believe the decisions of Minister Gutwein this week represent the first steps in the process.
The choice of a commissioner must not be seen as a political appointment. It must be a person who is prepared to engage with the community and has the skills required to effectively change council’s culture.
I take this opportunity to thank council staff for their dedication and commitment to serving the people of the Huon Valley. Also, I extend my respect and best wishes to all former staff who chose to leave because of the culture within council.
It is important that the community throw their support behind the chosen commissioner and assist her/him in taking action on the recommendations of the Gutwein Board of Inquiry final report.
I feel confident that the people of the Huon Valley will rise above the problems that have afflicted our council and help guide us to a better future for all, including those who will follow us.
Again, I thank all those people who have supported me these past two years. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of our lovely Huon Valley.
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