Suspended mayor quits after controversial report on council’s governance
- Replies 0
A recent report has thrown Dorset Council into the spotlight, with the findings sending shockwaves through the local community.
What started as an investigation into governance issues has now led to unexpected consequences, with key figures facing serious repercussions.
As the dust settles, questions linger about the future of the council and the implications for those involved.
The mayor of Dorset Council, Greg Howard, announced he would step down from his position following the release of a scathing report into the council's governance.
The state government-commissioned inquiry found 'significant failings of governance, conduct and decision making,’ highlighting 19 issues and offering 22 recommendations.
Tasmanian Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent also issued 10 ministerial directions, some of which raised concerns about conflicts of interest, statutory non-compliance, and improper conduct.
Mayor Howard confirmed that he would not return to the role.
The report also heavily criticised the actions of former general manager Tim Watson, who left the council in December 2022, for his role in the council's mismanagement.
The investigation, which spanned several months, uncovered improper behaviour by both Watson and Howard, with some communications described as 'combative,' 'rude,' and 'highly disrespectful.'
One of the most serious allegations involved Watson’s failure to disclose his shareholding in a company, Trailsnaps Pty Ltd, which aimed to operate on Blue Derby mountain bike trails, violating the Local Government Act.
The report recommended referring both Watson and Dwaine Griffin, the council’s former Director of Works and Infrastructure, to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration of prosecution.
The board’s findings also exposed a pattern of non-compliance with statutory obligations and failures to implement essential policies.
Examples of Howard’s internal communications, such as calling individuals ‘c********’ and ‘d********’, were cited as evidence of his poor conduct.
Howard defended his actions, claiming there was 'not much' in the report and that many findings were unsupported by evidence.
He asserted his pride in the council's accomplishments during his tenure, stating: 'I’m proud of what I’ve achieved [as mayor] over a bit over eight years.'
Howard also criticised the report for destroying what he called one of the state’s most 'efficient and effective councils.'
The inquiry’s publication followed an investigation that began in July 2023 after complaints raised concerns about the council’s widespread governance failures.
Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent also suggested a review of the current legislation governing board inquiries, noting that the report did not provide sufficient power to address the community's concerns about the councillors' future.
The council members, all of whom were suspended during the investigation, were set to resume their roles at midnight, though some, including Councillor Jerrod Nichols, had already announced their resignation.
Minister Vincent highlighted the limitations in the Local Government Act regarding the board’s ability to act further, leading to calls for legislative changes to meet community expectations.
Will the proposed changes be enough to restore public trust, or is this just the beginning of a larger reckoning for local government in the region? Share your thoughts in the comments.
What started as an investigation into governance issues has now led to unexpected consequences, with key figures facing serious repercussions.
As the dust settles, questions linger about the future of the council and the implications for those involved.
The mayor of Dorset Council, Greg Howard, announced he would step down from his position following the release of a scathing report into the council's governance.
The state government-commissioned inquiry found 'significant failings of governance, conduct and decision making,’ highlighting 19 issues and offering 22 recommendations.
Tasmanian Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent also issued 10 ministerial directions, some of which raised concerns about conflicts of interest, statutory non-compliance, and improper conduct.
Mayor Howard confirmed that he would not return to the role.
The report also heavily criticised the actions of former general manager Tim Watson, who left the council in December 2022, for his role in the council's mismanagement.
The investigation, which spanned several months, uncovered improper behaviour by both Watson and Howard, with some communications described as 'combative,' 'rude,' and 'highly disrespectful.'
One of the most serious allegations involved Watson’s failure to disclose his shareholding in a company, Trailsnaps Pty Ltd, which aimed to operate on Blue Derby mountain bike trails, violating the Local Government Act.
The report recommended referring both Watson and Dwaine Griffin, the council’s former Director of Works and Infrastructure, to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration of prosecution.
The board’s findings also exposed a pattern of non-compliance with statutory obligations and failures to implement essential policies.
Examples of Howard’s internal communications, such as calling individuals ‘c********’ and ‘d********’, were cited as evidence of his poor conduct.
Howard defended his actions, claiming there was 'not much' in the report and that many findings were unsupported by evidence.
He asserted his pride in the council's accomplishments during his tenure, stating: 'I’m proud of what I’ve achieved [as mayor] over a bit over eight years.'
Howard also criticised the report for destroying what he called one of the state’s most 'efficient and effective councils.'
The inquiry’s publication followed an investigation that began in July 2023 after complaints raised concerns about the council’s widespread governance failures.
Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent also suggested a review of the current legislation governing board inquiries, noting that the report did not provide sufficient power to address the community's concerns about the councillors' future.
The council members, all of whom were suspended during the investigation, were set to resume their roles at midnight, though some, including Councillor Jerrod Nichols, had already announced their resignation.
Minister Vincent highlighted the limitations in the Local Government Act regarding the board’s ability to act further, leading to calls for legislative changes to meet community expectations.
Will the proposed changes be enough to restore public trust, or is this just the beginning of a larger reckoning for local government in the region? Share your thoughts in the comments.
