Jack Russell

Yea citizen Jack Russell has applied this week to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for it to conduct a review over Murrindindi Shire Council’s refusal at its October 25 meeting to table questions that he lodged several weeks in advance. Two questions were lodged in Mr Russell’s own name; two questions were lodged in the name of the Yea and District Ratepayers’ Association.

Mr Russell asserts that Council has not complied with its obligations under law. Mr Russell asks the Tribunal to review the conduct of Michael Chesworth, Council’s General Manager – Corporate and Community Services.

The Council Minutes, from its October 25 meeting, note: “Questions of Council were received from Mr Jack Russell and the Yea District Progress Association that did not comply with Section 104.2 of Council’s Local Law  No 2. When given the opportunity to correct the submissions provided, Mr Russell declined. As such these questions were not tabled as part of the meeting, in accordance with Section 104.4 of Council’s Local Law. A written response will be provided to be Mr Russell and the Yea District Progress Association, reminding them of the appropriate requirements for submitting questions to Council.”

Mr Russell says that a Council executive contacted him only several hours before the meeting. He says the questions put to the Council were of a “damning nature”.

The Local Paper has sought comment from Council, its officers and Councillors.
The Local Paper makes no allegation of wrongdoing or inappropriate conduct by the Council, or its officers including Mr Chesworth.