10/4/03
The inquiry into the City of Belmont has found insufficient evidence to conclude that the council has failed to provide good local government.
The inquiry, led by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development, investigated the City of Belmont's operations from 1993 to 2002, following allegations pertaining to the city.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens tabled the inquiry report in Parliament today.
Mr Stephens told Parliament the city would be given 60 days to advise him of what it had done, or intended to do, to implement the inquiry recommendations.
The Minister said the report recommended several areas for improvement in the city's administration and governance. It also contained recommendations to address probity issues identified by the inquiry.
Key recommendations include that:
- the council enhance openness and accountability by amending processes and procedures relating to council and committee meetings, minutes, agendas and reports;
- the council implement policies and procedures relating to tenders and appointment of consultants;
- the council amend the city's code of conduct and rules and procedures for committees and working groups; and
- the council introduce policies to deal with incompatible activities by the city's officers.
"The inquiry has identified significant issues for the good governance of the City of Belmont," Mr Stephens said.
"I hope the city will take advantage of the report's recommendations to implement improvements to its processes and operations."
The Minister said he was satisfied with the outcome of the inquiry and the professional manner in which it had been conducted by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
