Upper House MP Tim Quilty calls on Local Government Minister to investigate Wodonga Council

With the cover of parliamentary privilege, Mr Quilty told the Legislative Council last Thursday night "not much has changed" at Wodonga Council despite investigations by the Ombudsman into the waste management levy rip-off and IBAC.

Cr Olga Quilty has been stymied on multiple occasions in attempts to debate the validity of the June council meeting, which was adjourned for 24 hours after she quit the meeting feeling disrespected by mayor Kevin Poulton.

She has had repeated notices of motions on the matter rejected by council chief executive Mark Dixon.

Mr Quilty, in Parliament, called on Local Government Minister Shaune Leane to investigate the behavior of Mr Dixon and ensure the city was run by councillors.

"I held hopes with a change of CEO and the long-standing mayor (Anna Speedie) standing down at the 2020 elections and several new councillors elected that a corner may have been turned," Mr Quilty said.

"Sadly it would appear not to be the case.

"The new CEO, Mark Dixon, appears to have moved seamlessly into the dictator's role, ruling by decree, shutting down debate and dissent.

"It is not the role of the CEO to get involved in councillor politics or indeed to run one of the councillor factions.

"It is the job of councillors to bring the CEO into line in the first instance.

"However, in Wodonga we have a number of new councillors, including the mayor who have apparently been told what is happening is normal."

Mr Quilty also had a word of caution about attempts to curtail his wife.

"I have never been able to tell her what to do," he said.

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Mr Dixon fired back at Mr Quilty's claims made in Parliament.

"It's disappointing that Mr Quilty is willing to make unsubstantiated false allegations, in his role as an elected representative of our region, and we would hope he instead focuses on working positively for our community," he said.

"The council has been very open about the fact there was an investigation by IBAC, in regard to relationships with developers that was undertaken over a two-year period.

"That investigation concluded last year and found no corruption had occurred.

"We've also been very transparent about the process regarding the recent council meetings and associated 'notices of motion'.

"These decisions were all supported by legal advice and Local Government Victoria.

"Council officers including myself as CEO operate with the utmost integrity and professionalism.

"We are here to serve our community to the best of our ability and that's what we will continue to do every day."

Mr Quilty previously raised concerns in Parliament about a deal involving rezoned land and a past Wodonga council director, Michael Gobel.

Mr Quilty served two years on Wodonga Council.

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