As the federal minister responsible for heritage, I would like to pass on my personal congratulations and pay tribute to those local residents whose hard work helps preserve and care for this remarkable example of a gold rush-era town.

Places such as Maldon tell the important stories that have shaped our nation. They enhance our sense of place and national identity and make a positive contribution to the nation’s wellbeing, as well as creating strong economic returns for the surrounding community.

Protecting our heritage is a fundamental pillar of the Australian government’s policy. In December last year I released the Australian Heritage Strategy, which charts our priorities over the next decade and the actions we will take to support and promote our natural, historic and Indigenous heritage.

As part of the strategy, we have committed to investigating the feasibility of adapting the United Kingdom’s National Lottery model, which each year generates millions of pounds for local heritage projects across the UK. We recognise the importance of places such as Maldon and will do all that we can to support the work of those who care for and promote our precious heritage.

The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate is investigating the City of Greater Bendigo. It is an appropriate time to review council’s openness, transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making processes.

Council conducts ‘forum’ meetings to consider officer initiated reports usually a week prior to public council meetings. Council decided these forums and the officer reports are confidential – it’s a closed shop. Councillors have no opportunities to seek independent advice on forum issues and are not permitted to canvass them with residents. Secrecy prevails prior to the subsequent council meetings.

So there is no chance for residents to challenge any officer proposal or make alternative suggestions. The majority of councillors generally conform to officer recommendations; part of “Team Bendigo”. Councillor voting patterns are therefore really determined at the forum before matters go to the public council meetings.

To have informed residents, then residents must have access to the officer reports and councillors prior to forums, otherwise residents are hung out to dry. The forums’ backroom decisions make a mockery of openness, inclusiveness and accountability. Council public meetings are stage-managed events with issues already cut and dried. No wonder ratepayers get cranky how their money is taken from them and spent, without their input.

Suggestions for improvement include: in a timely manner release officer reports before forum meetings to allow councillors to openly discuss issues with ratepayers; councillors seek independent advice on issues, not just officers; restrict confidentiality to sensitive personal and contractual areas only; allow the public to attend forums.

These ideas are designed to encourage community input and debate before councillor decisions at public council meetings. Legitimacy of process and ideas must not be dictated by officer-domination designed to ensure they get their way. Cr Cox at least had the guts to seek independent reports, but was rolled; officers’ and compliant councillors’ power and harmony was threatened.

Fresh faces on council and a magic wand may give ratepayers more of a say. The current Local Government Review will hopefully result in opening up councils, correct the power imbalance, crush secrecy and officer control of councils.