WHITTLESEA: GOVT. SUSPENDS MAYOR
FIRST WITH LOCAL NEWS
Nick Staikos, Local Government Minister, released a statement today, in which Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aiden McLinden has been suspended for six months:
“Following the receipt of a report by the Municipal Monitors appointed to Whittlesea City Council and other information provided, Councillor Aidan McLindon has been suspended from his duties at Whittlesea City Council under section 229A (1) of the Local Government Act 2020,” Mr Staikos said.
“I am satisfied thisis necessary to protect the health and safety of the councillors and staff at Whittlesea City Council.
“This suspension will take effect from today Wednesday, April 16, 2025 for a period of six months.
“For the duration of a suspension, Councillor McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor. This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.
“Local councils play a vital role in communities across the state and Victorians rightly have high expectations of their councillors,” Mr Staikos said.
In a separate media statement, Mr Staikos announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea Council. A media statement reads:
“The Allan Labor Government is taking action to give residents of Whittlesea City Council confidence in their local government – following serious issues of governance and health and safety concerns at the council.
“Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council.
“The inquiry will have broad-ranging powers to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues at the council.
“The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.
“To inform his decision, the Minister considered:
- Information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff
- The unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation
- That councillors also called for the Mayor to resign from the Office of Mayor and agreed to a vote of no confidence in the mayor
- The safety and wellbeing of Council staff and operations.
The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced in due course.
Whittlesea City Council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway.
“After receiving a letter co-signed by 10 councillors requesting urgent intervention, I have determined that a Commission of Inquiry is needed,” Mr Staikos said.
“The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented — including the unanimous no-confidence motion in the Mayor, and his subsequent ban from council premises for occupational health and safety reasons.
“We want Victorians to have confidence in their local councils. This Inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community,” Mr Staikos said.
Whittlesea Councfil issued this statement:
The City of Whittlesea has today been advised by the Minister for Local Government the Hon. Nick Staikos that following the receipt of a report by the Municipal Monitors and other information, Councillor Aidan McLindon has been suspended as a Councillor at the City of Whittlesea for a period of six months under section 229A (1) of the Local Government Act 2020, effective immediately.
The Minister has advised that ‘for the duration of a suspension, Councillor McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor. This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.’
Council notes the Minister has also announced a Commission of Inquiry into the City of Whittlesea. The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.
Council welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the Council and staff.
The City of Whittlesea will continue to deliver the important services, programs and facilities its community needs during the Inquiry.
Mr McLindon was elected as the representative for Kirrip Ward in October 2024 and appointed as the Mayor of the City of Whittlesea in November 2024.
As a result of this suspension the position of Mayor becomes vacant. In accordance with section 26 of the Local Government Act 2020 Council is required to fill the Mayoral vacancy within one month, to serve the remainder of the current mayoral term – until Tuesday 18 November 2025.
Deputy Mayor Cr Daniela Zinni will perform the duties of the Mayor until a new Mayor is elected at a future Council Meeting.
During the period of suspension, the role of Ward Councillor for Kirrip will remain vacant and Mr McLindon will not receive any allowance.
Residents of Kirrip Ward are advised to direct their enquiries to other ward Councillors during the period of suspension. Contact details for Councillors are available on Council’s website.
Mr McLindon will be eligible to resume his role of Councillor from Friday 17 October 2025.
Cr McLindeon said he would make a statement on the steps of Parliamernt House, Spring St, at 4pm Wednesday (Apr. 16).