The Glenorchy community deserves a democratically elected local government and an end to the uncertainty surrounding the Glenorchy City Council.
Since the October 2014 council elections, there has been considerable and ongoing concern regarding governance at the Glenorchy City Council, which is why the Government established a Board of Inquiry in October 2015.
Earlier this year, it became clear that the Council was not functioning as it should and on that basis, councillors were suspended and a Commissioner appointed to manage the Council.
Unfortunately, the Board of Inquiry process has still not concluded and while we are confident of our legal position in terms of matters currently before the courts, it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that further legal action could delay the release of its report into 2018.
There is significant frustration in the community that this issue has not been resolved and the Government shares that frustration. That’s why we are determined to move on and restore democracy and certainty to the Glenorchy community.
To that end, today I will introduce legislation into Parliament that seeks Parliament’s approval to immediately dismiss the currently suspended councillors and set out a timeline for a fresh election in early January next year. There will only be one election in 2018 and the new Council will serve until the next council elections currently proposed for 2022.
The Board of Inquiry process will continue and will not be impacted by the election. I will consider any recommendations made when that report is provided to me.
I have informed both the Glenorchy City Council Commissioner Sue Smith and the Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Hawkey, of the Government’s decision.
This decisive action by the Government will provide the ratepayers of Glenorchy with both the opportunity and the responsibility to elect the representatives they want to determine the future of their city.
It’s time for the Glenorchy community to move on and the best way to allow that is for a new election to be held and for democracy to be restored.
More Media Releases from Peter Gutwein
More Media Releases from the Minister for Planning and Local Government