Added spotlight on Moira Shire amid concerns over behaviour, governance

The Victorian government recently announced a commission of Inquiry into the shire, following a municipal monitor previously being appointed.

The move elevates the focus on the organisation, which has had a large recent turnover of staff and concerns about workplace health and safety issues.

The monitor was appointed after governance and councillor behavioural issues were flagged.

Council chief executive Clare Keenan recently released a statement noting a report would be given to the local government minister next year.

"Earlier in the week I wrote to the executive director of local government to express concern about the cost to council due to the monitor's appointment and my apprehension that the terms of reference were broadening without addressing the ongoing workplace health and safety issue," she said.

"Today we received the official correspondence from the minister that the commission of inquiry will commence on 28 October 2022 and report to the Minister for Local Government by 28 February 2023."

She expects the appointment "will result in a genuine resolution for council".

Libro Mustica also stepped down as mayor ahead of a mayoral vote on Wednesday.

Councillor Peter Lawless is acting mayor ahead of Wednesday's vote.

He said he was awaiting information on what the commission of inquiry would involve.

"I think there might be some management issues the commission might be interested in," he said.

"I really need to be briefed on what the terms of reference are, I'll see what unfolds this week."

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Cr Lawless said he understood a female King's Counsel had been appointed.

"I think it's a positive thing, I don't think it needs to be looked at as a negative," he said.

"We've got a relatively new CEO and a huge turnover of staff.

"I think it will be a good opportunity to have a strong look at the organisation and where we're going.

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