MURRAY Shire Council has been suspended and placed under the direction of a temporary administrator.
Local government minister Paul Toole confirmed the council would also be subject to a public inquiry.
Mr Toole had previously given Murray Shire councillors a week to justify why they should not be suspended.
“Dysfunctional relationships have affected the ability of Murray Shire Council to form a quorum at meetings, impacting the council’s ability to function,” Mr Toole said.
“These dysfunctional relationships also affect the ability of council staff members to undertake their functions.
“The inquiry will examine performance and behavioural issues, and the effects of these on council operations. Therefore, it is in the public interest to suspend councillors temporarily to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the council.
“Murray Shire ratepayers deserve a strong council that is acting in their best interest.”
The Minister said the suspension will not affect the proposed merger with the Wakool Shire Council.
David Shaw has been appointed as interim administrator during the course of the public inquiry being undertaken by Anthony Hudson.
Mr Shaw has 30 years’ experience in local government in a range of senior roles.
The council has been suspended under section 438W of the Local Government Act 1993, with the appointment of an interim administrator under section 438Y of the Act. Under the Act, the Minister can only suspend the whole council, not individual councillors.