An independent, statewide investigation into the transparency of local government decision- making has been welcomed by the Sunbury Residents Association.
Group president Bernie O’Farrell applauded the state ombudsman’s probe, launched in response to a pattern of complaints about councils, including closed meetings and the handling of confidential matters.
The nature, quality and public availability of records will also be investigated.
‘‘There has been some concern about Hume’s transparency, with some things being done behind closed doors,’’ Mr O’Farrell said.
‘‘I don’t think this council is any better than other councils, that’s for sure.’’
The ombudsman’s 2015 annual report shows that Hume was the state’s 10th-most complained about council, with 91 complaints; Macedon Ranges council was 43rd, with 27 in total.
The most typical complaints included inadequate or delayed responses and poor processes for handling complaints and disputes.
Mr O’Farrell said local government transparency was crucial to community confidence.
‘‘The fact that some decisions aren’t being made in an open forum, it can open up a whole range of issues,’’ he said. ‘‘The way council goes about some things leaves a lot to be desired.’’
Hume chief executive Domenic Isola said the vast majority of decisions were made by councillors in meetings open to the public.
Less than a fifth (19 per cent) of resolutions were reached in closed-door meetings in 2014-15.
Mr Isola said this was in line with other councils in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. ‘‘Council reports sometimes need to be considered in a closed meeting if, for example, they relate to a contract or deal with the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer,’’ he said.
‘‘The agenda of a council meeting always identifies why a council report needs to be considered in a closed meeting.
‘‘Anyone has the right to make a complaint to the ombudsman, and Hume council regularly advises people that they can take this course of action.’’
