General News
14 August, 2024
Horsham Rural City Council welcomes the appointment of monitor
Municipal monitor for HRCC from September 2024 to June 2025
Update: Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline has welcomed the appointment of municipal monitor Steven Kingshott.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne MP on August 13 announced Mr Kingshott would support good governance processes and practices at HRCC from 2 September 2024 until 30 June 2025.
"I would like to thank Minister Horne and Executive Director of Local Government Victoria, Mike Gooey for their support on this issue," she said.
"We are all eager to ensure the best outcome for HRCC and appreciate any guidance that assists us in achieving this."
"I encourage our community, staff, and Councillors to assist the monitor in his duties."
Mr Kingshott's appointment is the second monitor to work with Council during this term.
The first, Jude Holt, finished her appointment in January 2023 and her report called for action to encourage more community leaders to consider becoming a councillor. Her recommendations can be found on Council's website.
"Ms Holt provided Council with invaluable learnings and support," Cr Gulline said.
"She provided an extra layer of education for Council in our pursuit of good governance."
However, Cr Gulline said, in appointing Mr Kingshott, the Minster was responding to serious concerns about governance and conduct.
"The Terms of Reference to Mr Kingshott's appointment make it clear he has been appointed to assess Council's ability to function properly.
"I look forward to working with Mr Kingshott and Council to ensure we can continue delivering great things for our community," she said.
Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the operations of Council would continue as usual during the monitor's term.
"The community should be reassured that bins will still be collected, maternal and child health appointments will still take place, lost pets will still be rescued and depot crews will still be out and about undertaking their works programs," Mr Bhalla said.
"Likewise, projects and budget initiatives currently being undertaken by Council staff will not be impacted by this process, and Council's day to day operations will not change," he said.
Earlier: Local Government minister Melissa Horne has announced she will appoint a municipal monitor to support good governance processes and practices at Horsham Rural City Council.
However, Lowan MP Emma Kealy said the Victorian Government has not gone far enough, calling for councillors to be dismissed and see administrators appointed.
Minister Horne has appointed Steven Kingsholt following governance concerns raised about the council.
"Councils play a vital role in delivering the services and infrastructure that Victorians rely on," she said.
"Mr Kingsholt will work with HRCC to improve and address its governance issues and better serve the community.
"Mr Kingsholt brings significant experience to the role, having most recently served as a monitor for the Glenelg Shire Council.
"He will begin his term as monitor on September 2, 2024, with the appointment expiring on June 30, 2025," the minister said.
Mr Kingshott has worked in senior positions responsible for companies' organisational development and risk management, including ExxonMobil.
The minister's actions follow HRCC's failure to meet the statutory deadline to adopt the budget and the council's late request for an extension.
Regain the trust and respect
Ms Kealy voiced her disappointment, stating the state government should have gone further to address systemic issues within the council.
The local MP said while she was pleased the Horsham community's concerns were heard, she was worried whether a second monitor would be enough to give the council the stability it needed.
"Ratepayers deserve a highly-functioning council that meets the needs of its residents and delivers services in the way local people expect, and today's announcement must feel a little like Groundhog Day for Horsham Rural City residents," she said.
"It would be fair to say that the first time a monitor was appointed in July 2022, there was limited success in improving the functionality of Horsham Rural City Council.
"I spoke with the Minister for Local Government in Parliament two weeks ago - and again earlier today - to call for administrators to be appointed, which is the next step in the process after a monitor is appointed.
"It's clear that things have escalated to a point where significant change is needed within the council to ensure it is delivering for its community, and an administrator would allow for a complete reset.
"I am pleased and thankful the minister has taken steps to address community concerns, but it remains to be seen whether a second monitor will be enough to address the challenges that have plagued council for some time."