URGENT UPDATE: Opposition MPs are raising significant concerns over the Victorian Government’s recent decision to install municipal monitors at Kingston Council, fueling a heated debate in Parliament. Appointed until the end of 2025, monitor John Tanner AM and a second monitor aim to enhance “good governance” and support the council’s decision-making processes.
On August 28, 2023, Liberal MP Ann-Marie Hermans demanded clarity on whether this move serves as a “political tool” to diminish the voices of respected councillors and expedite controversial planning issues. “Monitors’ interventions like this must be justified, transparent, and grounded in evidence,” she stated, emphasizing a lack of justification for these newly created positions.
The announcement of the monitors follows a substantial public outcry against a proposed development at Rossdale golf course, which Kingston Council opposes. Additionally, residents are rallying against a contentious 941-dwelling project on the former Kingswood golf course. Hermans highlighted these developments as evidence of the community’s resistance to government overreach.
In a passionate address, Liberal MP Bev McArthur accused Local Government Minister Nick Staikos of “covertly weaponizing” his role to control councils that challenge the Labor Party. She criticized the need for state intervention, asserting that Kingston is “well run” and does not require the minister’s “so-called assistance.” McArthur claimed that Kingston’s “crime” is its opposition to cost-shifting and inadequate development infrastructure.
“Victorians expect their councils to maintain a high standard of processes and practices, and these monitors will help the council best serve the Kingston community,” stated Minister Staikos on August 22, 2023.
The monitors are tasked with addressing several critical issues, including conflicts of interest, health and safety practices, and the dynamics between councillors and council officers. Their role is crucial in ensuring accountability and transparency in decision-making processes that directly impact the Kingston community.
The situation is developing rapidly as local residents and opposition members continue to voice their concerns. With tensions escalating, the situation at Kingston Council is poised to be a focal point in the ongoing struggle over local governance in Victoria. Watch for updates as this story unfolds.
As the debate intensifies, the implications of the monitors’ presence raise questions about the future of local governance in Kingston and the broader state of Victoria. What does this mean for other councils facing similar scrutiny? The community’s response will likely shape the narrative in the coming days.
