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The 1992-1993 investigation into Camberwell City Council was a series of events that led to the dismissal of councillors and local political upheaval. It preceded the amalgamation of the Cities of Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew as part of the 1994-1996 statewide local government reforms.
Background
See also: Podgor Development
The City of Camberwell had previously been the subject of an investigation by the State Government. In 1989, the Victorian Government announced that it would investigate "serious breaches of the Local Government Act" by sitting councillors. It was ended after three days after officials failed to find evidence to substantiate the claims made.[1]
The 1992-93 investigation
Investigation
On 6 July 1992, Caroline Hogg, the Victorian Minister for Municipal Affairs, ordered an investigation into Camberwell Council to investigate claims of financial mismanagement, breaches of pecuniary interest regulations by councillors and fraud.[2]
A separate report by accounting firm KPMG, commissioned by Camberwell City Council, was also considered by the Minister for Local Government at this time. It analysed the Council's financial position and recommended possible strategies to resolve its serious budgetary issues.[3]
Results
One of the first results of the investigation were charges laid against Councillor Beth Lee for alleged "breaches of regulations covering pecuniary interest".[3] She later pleaded guilty and was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond with no conviction.[4]
Aftermath
References
- ↑ Conroy, Paul. Investigation the second in three years. 7 July 1992. The Age: Melbourne. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A296784952/STND?u=slv&sid=STND&xid=e39afbb5, accessed: 5 January 2021
- ↑ Conroy, Paul. State orders council inquiry. 7 July 1992. The Age: Melbourne. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A296784927/STND?u=slv&sid=STND&xid=cb33917a, accessed: 5 January 2021
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Taylor, Thomas. Camberwell councillor facing 14 charges. 22 May 1993. The Age: Melbourne. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A296458275/STND?u=slv&sid=STND&xid=614b59c2, accessed: 5 January 2021
- ↑ Cook, Margaret. Ex-councillor on bond for technicality. 19 October 1993. The Age: Melbourne. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A296351063/STND?u=slv&sid=STND&xid=a099ef9e, accessed: 5 January 2021