Municipal Inspector, Peter Stephenson’s final report into the Rural City of Wangaratta lists the wide variety of problems that resulted in the council’s dismissal.
Stephenson’s report refers to a culture of “political point scoring” within the council, and a “lack of direction” that resulted in delays in the city’s strategic planning processes.
The report was reviewed in Parliament two weeks ago, and was the final of three reports Stephenson completed following his three month stay in Wangaratta.
The most serious issue within the council is said to be the “political point scoring”.
“Personal interactions are often characterised by a lack of respect for the opinions of others and Councillors (Tammy) Atkins and (Don) Joyce are regularly targeted with aggressive and intimidatory behaviour,” the report states.
The report also refers states that the council is inept when dealing with occupational health and safetyconcerns.
“The stalemate in relation to health and safety matters continues to impact both on the health and safety of staff, but also the capacity of the staff team to appropriately brief, and to seek direction from council,” it states.
“Council has had a number of opportunities to adopt resolutions, based on legal advice, that are aimed at protecting the health and safety of staff and continue in their refusal to do so.”
Source: http://wangarattachronicle.com.au/2013/09/24/council-had-failed-report/
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