Macedon Ranges council will conduct an internal review following mayor Dom Bonanno’s drink driving charge.
Council chief executive officer Bernie O’Sullivan confirmed council was aware of the incident, and said council takes matters like these very seriously.
Mr O’Sullivan said council’s priorities in response are protecting the integrity of good governance within council for the community, ensuring compliance with council’s Vehicle Use Policy and Occupational Health and Safety obligations, and safeguarding public confidence in the operations of the organisation.
Accordingly, council has commenced an internal review that will address policy compliance, any impact on relevant Council processes and what further governance response may be required. The mayoral vehicle has been returned pending the outcome of the internal review.
While Cr Bonanno is on personal leave, deputy mayor Kate Kendall will undertake the responsibilities of the mayor to ensure continuity of council business, Mr O’Sullivan said.
He said council recognises that this is a challenging time for everyone involved and is providing appropriate support to those affected within the organisation as needed.
Council emphasised that its governance frameworks, including the Councillor Code of Conduct and all relevant organisational policies, remain in force, and that councillors, including the mayor, are required to adhere to them.
Alongside the review, Mr O’Sullivan said council continues to undertake its day-to-day work and key projects on behalf of the community and remains very focussed on delivering great outcomes for our residents and local communities.
The statement comes after Cr Bonanno announced on Wednesday that he had been caught speeding and drink driving on Friday 31 October in Gisborne South.
At the time, he was driving the mayoral vehicle. Council confirmed Cr Bonanno had been attending a private event.
He said he will be disqualified from driving for six months, from the end of November.
Cr Bonanno has taken personal leave from his position, and will not stand for re-election upon his return at the annual mayoral election meeting on 25 November.
