Buloke Shire in north western Victoria is the latest council in the state to have a monitor appointed.

Buloke Shire is the 12th Victorian council since the last local government elections in 2020 where the state government has exercised its power to appoint a municipal monitor, to provide assistance with governance issues.

Local Government Melissa Horne announced on Monday that former Greater Shepparton City CEO Peter Harriott will begin as municipal monitor on May 9 and will report back at the end of his term on December 31.

It comes a week after Ms Horne announced municipal monitors had been appointed at Darebin City for the second time after the council failed to adequately address issues raised in a previous report.

”Mr Harriott will advise and support Buloke Shire Council, and will ensure stability for the council in the lead up to and following the October 2024 elections,” Ms Horne said in a statement.

“Through his extensive knowledge of local government, Mr Harriott will support Buloke Shire Council to improve its governance and better meet the needs of the community it serves.”

Mr Harriott will focus on a number of matters at Buloke including the separation of roles between councillors and CEO, relations between councillors and staff, management of conflicts of interest, and financial and asset management practices.

Mr Harriott worked in local goverment for last 30 years and is currently working with Strathbogie Shire Council, which is currently under administration.

 The government last week introduced reforms to the Local Government Act 2020 to support and improve governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils.

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