Council to meet behind closed doors on CEO report

CITY of Ballarat council will meet on Monday night at 6pm to discuss the ramifications of Thursday’s Ombudsman’s report into staffing irregularities relating to CEO Justine Linley.

However, what’s said my never be publicly known as the meeting is set to take place in camera, meaning only councillors and a few select council employees will take part.

Mayor Cr Ben Taylor said council had to follow a process in dealing with the report

“The community of Ballarat expects that people who are charged with looking after the interests of the city are doing so appropriately and this report has raised some serious allegations,” Cr Taylor said.

“While we understand that people want us to make decisions quickly, it is important that we also ensure a fair and due process for everyone so we are working through the report and the process as quickly as we can while also ensuring we follow the appropriate processes.

“Our focus is on ensuring that we, as councillors and the City of Ballarat, continue to deliver for the community of Ballarat and make Ballarat a better place.”

Under law council is required to give 48 hours’ notice of an extraordinary meeting.

While the Ombudsman’s report named two senior staff members, Ms Linley and director of infrastructure and environment Terry Demeo, only the former is directly employed by council.

That means councillors can only move against Ms Linley if they desire and any ramifications for Mr Demeo must come from the acting CEO Nevil Ivey.

Both Ms Linley and Mr Demeo are on infinite leave after being stood down yesterday.