UPDATE: Wyndham Council has officially appointed its committees for the 2025-26 term during a meeting held on November 25, 2023, but not all councillors are satisfied with the outcomes. The appointments have sparked controversy and disappointment among some members, raising questions about governance and transparency.
Leading the audit and risk committee is Mayor Josh Gilligan, alongside councillors Susan McIntyre and Shannon McGuire. Cr Gilligan is also tasked with overseeing the chief executive performance and remuneration committee, supported by councillors Mia Shaw, Maria King, Preet Singh, and Larry Zhao. Meanwhile, Crs King, Shaw, and Singh will manage the waste management community group.
However, the appointment of Cr Jasmine Hill has raised eyebrows, as she expressed her disappointment at being excluded from any committees despite her five years of experience. “I want to put on record that I have been left off all committees this year,” Cr Hill stated during the meeting. “I feel that being excluded entirely is disappointing but I want to reassure our residents that committees are not the only place where work happens.”
Cr Peter Maynard also voiced concerns, claiming he was not informed about committee nominations prior to the meeting. “As per process, councillors did not receive an email via your office to see who wanted to nominate for those committees,” he remarked, highlighting a potential breakdown in communication.
Cr Mia Shaw, in her response, emphasized her commitment to good governance and transparency. “Thank you for Cr Hill and Cr Maynard’s comments—I also stand for good governance, integrity and transparency,” she remarked, addressing the criticisms directly.
Other notable appointments include Cr Jennie Barrera to the Reconciliation Advisory Committee and the local government mayoral taskforce supporting asylum seekers, along with Cr Robert Szatkowski returning to the Association of Bayside Municipalities.
The committee appointments were approved with a vote of 9 to 2, with Crs Hill and Maynard opposing the delegations. This decision marks a significant moment for the council as it sets the stage for the upcoming year, but the discontent among some councillors raises critical questions about internal dynamics and governance practices.
As the community looks ahead, the implications of these appointments will be closely monitored. The council’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring effective governance in the months to come.
