Council review made public

Northern Midlands Council has released the full report of the Independent Review of Governance and Meeting Procedures nine months after its findings were delivered to Council.

At Monday’s council meeting it agreed to release the report which made 26 recommendations in relation to a range of matters including, general governance, meeting procedure, workplace culture and matters of workplace health and safety.

The 84-page document is the result of tensions within the Northern Midlands Council between councillors and executive staff. 

(Read the report here: Independent Advisor's Report)

Mr Andrew Paul was appointed in June, 2024, as the Independent Advisor, and he said in the report that the review was necessary “following a protracted period where it became apparent the relationship between some councillors and the executive staff had deteriorated considerably”.

“Following the election of the new Council in 2022 there has been ongoing tension, disagreement and disharmony between Council and the executive staff of Council,” he said.

“This behaviour has manifested as frequent dissension between individual councillors and council staff, often at meetings or on social media platforms and claims of bullying and harassment. 

“The outcome of the ongoing disharmony has seen the undertaking of legal action between parties, numerous codes of conduct complaints, a large number of referrals to the Director of Local Government, complaints to the Ombudsman, Worksafe Tasmania and an ongoing stream of questions and requests for information to the Council General Manager. 

“There have also been claims of bullying and harassment and numerous matters of alleged poor governance have been raised. 

“Any of these matters individually may be cause for concern. Collectively they indicate an organisation that is too inwardly focussed, spending far too many resources and energy on matters that are non-productive for the residents of the Northern Midlands.

“Tensions however between some of the parties are now at such a low point that it is undoubtedly affecting the operations of Council, staff morale and wellbeing.”

Northern Midlands Mayor Mary Knowles said that Council has adopted a timetable to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and a summary of the action taken to date was also presented to the closed Council meeting on Monday,” she said.

(Read the summary here 19 May 2025 Closed Council Report released)

“His findings included a series of recommendations aimed at aligning Council operations with best-practice governance standards,” she said.

“Importantly, the report did not identify any material non-compliance with the Council’s legislative obligations, affirming the organisation’s adherence to statutory requirements.”

 At the Ordinary Meeting held on October 21, 2024, Council formally adopted Mr Paul’s report.

Councillors and council officers then collaborated to develop a comprehensive action plan to implement the recommendations over the following six months.

Mayor Knowles said that document represents a major step forward in ensuring consistent, transparent, and effective governance at Council meetings.

 “It provides a clear procedural framework that supports informed decision-making and reinforces Council’s commitment to serving the community with integrity and accountability,” she said.

“In line with the recommendations, Council also undertook a thorough review of its existing policies, particularly those related to Work Health and Safety (WHS), with a focus on psychosocial hazards.

 “This review enhanced awareness and understanding among both elected members and council officers of their responsibilities in maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.

 “The process has contributed to a stronger organisational culture and a more supportive working environment.” 

 Mayor Knowles said the collaborative efforts of councillors and staff over the past six months reflected a shared commitment to continuous improvement, good governance, and community-focused leadership.