Personal Statement from Suspended Mayor Kristie Johnston …
Today I have been advised by Minister for Local Government, Peter Gutwein that the aldermen of Glenorchy City Council have been re-suspended for a period of six months.
I strongly support this decision by the Minister and firmly believe that this is in the best interest of the community.
Minister Gutwein outlined to aldermen his concerns and reasons for considering a further suspension including serious failures in project management, significant non-compliance with the Act, deep concerns in the community as evidenced by their submissions at Council’s AGM, and attempts to amend the General Manager’s contract with the potential to impose a significant financial burden on the community. These are all well-founded and I share the Minister’s concerns and have many more of my own.
In the face of continued legal challenges to the independent Board of Inquiry and a stubborn refusal by a majority of aldermen, the General Manager and the Director of Corporate Governance to accept that they have done the wrong thing by our community, the re-suspension is necessary to protect the community.
It is disappointing that this matter has dragged on to the extent that a re-suspension is necessary but it appears to be as a result of legal action taken by a few in self-interest with the blatant and wilful disregard for the community they are supposed to serve.
I know that the community still strongly want a fresh election so that they can elect the council that they deserve. Once the Minister is provided with the Board of Inquiry report I hope that this can occur immediately.
This has been a very tough few years for my community and I am extremely grateful for the support that they have and continue to show me. The suspension has a very personal impact on me and my family – but I know that it is the right thing to do for my community and will always choose to act in the best interest of the community, to be accountable and transparent over the self-interest that others have displayed.
Kristie Johnston Suspended Mayor of Glenorchy
