The Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) finds itself mired in controversy following the submission of its first Performance Improvement Order (PIO) report. This report, mandated by the Minister for Local Government, scrutinises how the Council is addressing behavioural issues among councillors and aligns with compliance measures. Both supporters and critics of the report’s submission came head-to-head in a heated council meeting, highlighting the complexities of the current political landscape, and adherence to procedural transparency.
PHOTO: Councillor Thaler speaking at the March 20, 2025 ordinary meeting CREDIT: SMRC – screenshot from council meeting.
Councillor Thaler spearheaded an argument against the motion to submit the internally prepared report without prior review by the councillors themselves. His primary concern lay with the absence of transparency and independence, asserting, “We’re the people responsible on behalf of the community. This report has gone out, and I think we should withdraw it.” Councillor Thaler pointed out the potential risks of approving a document he hadn’t reviewed, essentially “writing a blank cheque” without fully understanding the content and implications.
Conversely, Mayor Chris Hanna and SMRC CEO Stephen Dunshea defended the decision to submit the report in its current form. The CEO justified the move by stating that the report followed procedures consistent with other councils under similar orders.
“It was discussed, the difficulties associated with with the confidentiality of code of conduct matters, that I couldn’t present anything, either publicly or to the councillors that provided specific details of code of conduct matters where those things are provided in my report to the Minister.”
PHOTO: SMRC CEO Stephen Dunshea.
Mayor Hanna highlighted resource constraints as a reason for engaging independent assistance for future report preparations, a recommendation backed by the CEO. “We need to engage an external assistant to prepare all the reports in the future,” Mayor Hanna said.
The report submission comes amidst ongoing allegations of legislative and compliance breaches within the council, leading to fears of further governmental intervention. The continuous disputes and confrontations are predicted to take a toll administratively and financially. The estimated annual costs of implementing the PIO are projected at $65,000, which encompasses both staff time for gathering reporting data and the anticipated hiring of an external contractor to review meetings.
PHOTO: Data on alleged infringements from the SMRC March 20, 2025 Business Paper.
Councillor Davis shared concern over the importance of compliance saying, “We continue to have breaches of the PIO, which is a real concern, because I know a number of councillors are trying really hard to make sure we comply with the PIO, and it’s really important that we do comply with the bill for the community benefit, and I would love nothing more than for us to work together and be respectful of the staff.”
Councillor Rose shared concerns regarding the integrity of the first PIO report, raising points about potential biases inherent in internally prepared assessments. He noted, “It’s very hard to find a ‘reasonable person’ in council… the report has got some priority assumptions which are really dangerous.” Councillor Rose’s comments underscored the demand for impartiality and invited comparisons to broader industry best practices.
The psychological wellbeing of the involved parties has come under scrutiny, with reported behavioural disputes leading to some councillors grappling with stress levels that might require professional help.
Despite arguments against the report’s submission, the motion to proceed as planned was ultimately passed. The council now faces the task of reconciling internal conflicts, rectifying behavioural issues, and improving its public image. Scheduled meetings, such as the extraordinary gathering in early April are evident of productivity issues, but do present opportunities to address these challenges.
The council should be sacked as a matter of urgency (all council) let’s have another election and let’s have a vote on the mayor by the public as well. This is been a shocking start by all councillors. And let’s mandate that no pervasive can run again.
We should be following the Bega Shire Council where the registered resident vote for the Mayor
There should be no Groups on the voting slip
No Preferences allowed
Ist past the Post
Groups are Illegal on Victoria Local Government