The state’s local government watchdog has asked all nine councillors and senior city staff to assist with its investigation into the City of Greater Bendigo.

Interviews will begin next week, however not all councillors have indicated they will participate in the interview process. 

Mayor Rod Fyffe and chief executive officer Craig Niemann said interviews were voluntary, but they wanted full cooperation from those contacted by the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate. 

Mayor Fyffe today confirmed he had been contacted by the inspectorate.

He said he will cooperate with the investigation and has called on his colleagues to follow suit. 

“This is a matter for individual councillors, however I would personally like them to fully cooperate with the inquiry,” he said. 

Six other councillors told the Bendigo Advertiser they intended to unreservedly comply with the inquiry. 

However, councillor Helen Leach said she would only participate in the investigation if required to do so. 

“I’ve been invited to talk with the inspectorate and, if I am obliged to do so, I have indicated my intent to cooperate,” Cr Leach said.  

“Otherwise, I don’t see a need [as] I’ve nothing to assist them with.” 

Councillor Elise Chapman refused to comment. 

Mr Niemann confirmed he and other city staff had also been contacted by the inspectorate.  

“I would expect anyone involved to fully cooperate, but it is voluntary and councillors or staff have choices around that,” he said. 

Councillor Peter Cox confirmed he would be interviewed as part of the inquiry next week. 

“Or course I intend to fully cooperate,” Cr Cox said. 

“I imagine I will be asked about some of the events that have happened over the last two years, but that’s all I know about the nature of the inquiry at this point.”

An inspectorate spokesperson said the agency did not comment on ongoing investigations.

However the Bendigo Advertiser has identified at least one instance of a breach of confidentiality – which would fall under the purview of the inspectorate. 

Most councillors have welcomed the inquiry, which the Advertiser confirmed last month. 

Councillor James Williams was among those contacted today who called on his colleagues to unreservedly support the investigation. 

“I’ll fully cooperate with this inquiry certainly, absolutely,” Cr Williams said.

“As with any inquiry it is about seeking out the facts – and that needs to happen.”