Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My question is to the Minister for Local Government. What is the latest information on the work of the local government culture project? This project is helping councils improve their cultures, behaviours and governance and bring public trust back into local government. The work has significant implications for the whole state but unfortunately has particular relevance for Northcote. Over the last few years I have regularly been contacted by residents deeply concerned about the behaviours of some Darebin councillors. This includes numerous personal stories from residents containing serious allegations of bullying, allegations of racism and allegations of serious conflicts of interest and bias. These incidents really hurt people. Some residents are even worried there is something more sinister at play at Darebin council, with questionable decisions being made behind closed doors, like in the case of the hugely significant Northcote Plaza redevelopment, in which the public have had no access to council’s decision-making process. These issues have endured even with the municipal monitor in place. Residents feel they are being kept in the dark, sidelined, silenced and bullied. The culture project is an opportunity to make a positive change.
