Whittlesea Council last night (Tuesday) voted to terminate its contract with Chief Executive Officer Simon Overland during a closed meeting.

Acting CEO Kelvin Spiller, who was appointed at a Special Council Meeting on Saturday November 23, will remain in the role.

“As Acting CEO of this organisation my number one focus is on supporting our passionate, dedicated and hard-working staff during this time as we work together to deliver programs and services for the communities we serve,” Mr Spiller said.

“Our staff are vital to our success, and my job is to continue leading this great organisation in line with the Council Plan and our long-term vision, Whittlesea 2040.

“While we do this, we will continue to put our community at the heart of everything we do.”

This afternoon (Wednesday December 11), the State Government announced it will appoint a monitor to examine the governance and operations of the City of Whittlesea.

“Whittlesea Council will work with the monitor to ensure the best long-term interests of our organisation to ensure community needs continue to be met,” Mr Spiller said.

The State Government’s media release said: “he Andrews Labor Government will appoint a monitor to examine the governance and operations of City of Whittlesea.

Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek made the announcement today (Wed.) following a request by the Chief Municipal Inspector, who is undertaking an investigation into the council.

The monitor will assess the council’s current processes and policies in relation to:

• the appointment of the council’s new Chief Executive Officer
• councillor interaction with council staff
• the maintenance of a safe workplace
• the handling of confidential information
• the effective delivery of services to the Whittlesea community
• council decision making.

he Monitor will also work with the Council to ensure sound and effective governance in light of the instability in senior management over the past three years.

An announcement appointing an individual to the position will be made shortly.

“I am appointing a Monitor on the request of the Chief Municipal Inspector, who has an active investigation in place in the City of Whittlesea.,” said Adam Somyurek, Minister for Local Government.

“A Monitor will help the Council make decisions in the best long-term interests of the City of Whittlesea, while providing me with advice on how Councillors are doing their job.”