‘Proud’: Moira Shire Mayor Peter Lawless has rejected a report into council that found it could ‘no longer effectively carry out its responsibilities’. Photo: Gabriel Garcia
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
Sacked Moira Shire Mayor Peter Lawless has come out fighting against a damning report into council that found it could “no longer effectively carry out its responsibilities”, saying he disagreed with the commission of inquiry’s findings.
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The report said Moira Shire Council failed to ensure the health and safety of workers in a toxic workplace, and said transfer of asbestos to Tungamah and Strathmerton waste stations, which were not licensed to receive it, put council staff at “serious” risk.
The council was sacked by Victorian Local Government Minister Melissa Horne this week, who said it was “regrettable” government had to step in.
The report also said there was “good reason to think” the murder of former operations manager Rick Devlin by a disgruntled employee could have been avoided if it wasn’t for “a catastrophic governance failure”.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 8, Mr Lawless said he was “proud of what we’ve achieved as a council”, while rejecting the findings of the report.
“There are elements of the report that I don’t believe to be accurate,” Mr Lawless said.
“I truly believe our organisation is heading in the right direction.”
Outgoing: Moira Shire Mayor Peter Lawless.
Mr Lawless said he had particular reservations about how the government had handled the matter.
“I must also express my disappointment that the commission instructed the minister not to have contact with councillors,” he said.
“I thank all staff, the leadership team and my fellow councillors for their great support to me during my time as mayor and wish Moira Shire Council all the best for the future.”
A separate statement was released by council’s media team representing the executive leadership, which said the sacking of the councillors had come as a shock to employees, and council leadership were thankful for the councillors’ service.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the councillors for their service to the shire and their dedication to representing our community,” the statement said.
“We want to offer a special thanks to mayor Peter Lawless for his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the Moira Shire.”
The statement said that in light of the decision made by Ms Horne, the “primary focus has been on the wellbeing of all our staff”.
“Our commitment is to ensure that staff feel safe and supported ... we appreciate the members of the community who have expressed their concerns and checked in on our employees’ health,” the statement said.
The executive leadership sought to reassure the Moira Shire community that the council remained committed to ensuring the welfare and betterment of residents.
“Although the nine councillors have been dismissed, 240 council staff remain working for the community,” the statement said.
