On the 27th of January this year, I wrote to Glenorchy City aldermen inviting them to explain to me why I shouldn’t suspend them and appoint a Commissioner.
I gave the aldermen until midday, last Friday to respond. I have received submissions from the Council as well as a number of aldermen and have considered them carefully.
The Government is concerned that the people of Glenorchy are not receiving the standard of representation that they should expect from their Council.
A Board of Inquiry process was initiated in October 2015. Unfortunately, the behaviour of aldermen continues to be a significant issue.
I do not believe it is in the community’s interests for the current aldermen to remain in place while the Board of Inquiry is completed.
On that basis, I have suspended the Glenorchy City aldermen for a period of 6 months.
The Government has also recommended to Her Excellency the Governor that she appoint Mrs Sue Smith AM as Commissioner.
Mrs Smith is a distinguished community leader, the first female President of the Legislative Council, a Member of Parliament for 16 years, a past Mayor of the Central Coast Council and a councillor for 14 years.
Mrs Smith has the right skills for the job and I would like to thank her for agreeing to take on the position. I have asked Mrs Smith to work to bring the community together, provide the stability the Glenorchy City Council needs and to ensure good governance and I am confident that Mrs Smith will deliver.
The suspension will ensure the needs of the community are prioritised while the Board of Inquiry process is concluded.
The Board of Inquiry report will be submitted to the Government within the next six months and a decision as to the future of the Glenorchy City aldermen will be made then.
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