Bendigo mayor welcomes investigation into council

Mayor Rod Fyffe has welcomed an investigation into the City of Greater Bendigo and promised to cooperate fully with the state’s local government watchdog. 

The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate confirmed the investigation to the Bendigo Advertiser this week – news with which councillor Fyffe said he was comfortable. 

“It’s fair to say we’d welcome any investigation and we’re more than happy to have the inspectorate come through,” Cr Fyffe said. 

The inspectorate would not comment on details of the investigation.

However, the Advertiser has confirmed at least one breach of confidentiality within recent months.

Councillor Rod Fyffe said regardless of the nature of the investigation, he took any breach of confidentiality “very seriously”.

“Any breach of confidentiality from a council meeting I’d view very dimly, and I think people in community would expect all those things which are confidential must remain so,” he said.

“People need to have confidence in their local government and councillors need to be able to put forward ideas, proposals and projects and know they’ll be looked after and not mucked around with.”

The breach occurred in November last year after the reasons for the decision of an independent panel to temporarily stand down councillor Mark Weragoda were published online.

Related: Councillor stood down for drink driving

The document was given in confidence to a select group of individuals – the nine City of Greater Bendigo councillors, the city’s chief executive officer and executive services manager as well as the minister for local government.

Cr Weragoda said he welcomed the inspectorate “having a look into council”. 

“I’m sure this would have the support of the majority of other councillors,” Cr Weragoda said. 

All nine councillors were contacted for comment.