Probe into Campaspe councillor

Feb 20, 2019

THE Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) has confirmed it is ‘‘investigating a complaint in relation to a Campaspe Shire councillor’’.

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But a spokesperson was unable to elaborate. ‘‘The Inspectorate does not comment on complaints or investigations while they are in progress,’’ an LGI spokesperson said in a statement.

Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Jason Russell said the Inspectorate had reported to council that an investigation of a complaint was underway.

‘‘Council is confident the investigation will be dealt with appropriately and council notified of an outcome once complete,’’ he said.

All councillors were contacted for comment and while most reserved their right or did not return calls Cr Leanne Pentreath said she looked forward to a ‘‘positive outcome ... to hopefully improve us going forward in good governance’’.

‘‘To ensure we have a good relationship as an outcome and we can actually make some good decisions,’’ she said.

Deputy mayor Vicki Neele said she was ‘‘surprised’’ to hear the news.

According to the Victorian government’s website, the LGI accepts complaints related to breaches of the Local Government Act 1989. The Inspectorate may examine or investigate any matter relating to council operations and breaches of the Act involving a councillor, a senior council officer and any individual subject to the conflict of interest provisions within the Act; or any individual where the matter relates to electoral provisions.

By McPherson Media Group