Victoria’s Local Government Inspectorate officers have descended on a Central Victorian shire council to seize documents in relation to allegations of impropriety.
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The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (LGICI) is investigating serious allegations made against Central Goldfields Shire Council.
It’s understood the LGICI currently have a team of investigators at council offices securing documents and interviewing staff.
In recent years the council has come under scrutiny regarding several matters.
In 2012 Central Goldfields Shire councillor Ian Robertson was found guilty of two conflicts of interest regarding the upgrades of roads to his property. No conviction was recorded against him.
In a closed meeting following the court case, councillors agreed to pay the $70,000 cost of the councillor’s defence out of ratepayers’ funds after the council’s insurer demurred covering the outcome due to the court’s finding.
Central Goldfields mayor Geoff Lovett told The Courier he had been contacted by the Local Government Inspectorate and could make no further comment as he was bound by a confidentiality statement.
Mr Lovett said he had not been contacted by the council executive regarding the matter.
Central Goldfields Shire Council governance coordinator Marita Turner said the council had no comment to make to The Courier.
A spokesperson for the Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said any questions regarding the investigation by the Chief Municipal Inspector should be directed to the inspectorate directly.
