The Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has been issued a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) by the Honourable Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government. The order, announced on February 6, 2025, aims to set clear expectations for the Council and its councillors’ performance over the coming year.
The PIO highlights three primary areas requiring attention: councillor conduct, financial and organisational reforms, and work health and safety. The council’s existing Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice outline the behavioural standards needed, compliance with which will address the performance concerns.
To address these issues, the Council will incorporate measures into its current long-term financial plan and the organisational reform program launched in 2023. The order will be presented at the upcoming Council meeting in Cooma on February 20, 2025, which is open to the public and will be live streamed.
Should the Council fail to comply, further action may be taken, including suspension of the Council, appointment of an administrator, public inquiry, or issuing compliance orders to non-compliant councillors. Such measures could lead to councillors losing their position.
A Spokesperson for SMRC said “Council is committed to addressing the Minister’s concerns, and looks forward to working closely with the Office of Local Government through the implementation of the PIO.”
“Regular updates will be issued on Council’s progress in implementing today’s order and in the event further directives are received from the Minister’s office.”