Any organisation worth a cracker will ensure that each disseminated document carries the author’s name as well as the executive in charge of authorising the document. In this way, transparency and accountability become an integral part of bureaucratic process and we, the residents, know exactly where to sheet home the blame for fudged figures, inaccuracies, or simple omissions of fact. It all boils down to good governance. The alternative is ‘rule by nobody’. Glen Eira often works in this latter fashion. Far too often we’ve found that important reports tabled at council lack any identification as to who is responsible and accountable. The recent ‘notification’ for the Caulfield Racecourse centre development is a case in point. Even stranger is that in all cases where a name is provided, the report simply states ‘ENQUIRIES’!!! Not good enough. The service desk is for ‘enquiries’. Are they therefore also responsible for Planning Schemes?  What a wonderful non committal term ‘enquiries’ is! What a multitude of sins it is able to hide!

By way of contrast we direct readers to the manner in which Kingston and Port Phillip table reports. For example, the last Kingston council meeting minutes contain numerous officer reports. On each occasion readers are informed in the following manner: “Approved by: Tony Rijs-General Manager, Environmental Sustainability. Author: Ian Nice – Manager, Planning”. The same goes for Port Phillip. 

Even worse is that over the past year several crucial reports were tabled in Glen Eira without any accompanying information as to author or responsible executive/manager. These included: 

  • 17th May, 2010. A report on Aquatic Facilities 
  • 8th June, 2010 – A report on the National General Assembly of Local Government seeking authorisation for councillors to attend
  • 29th June 2010 – A report seeking approval to facilitate forums on Public Transport
  • 21st September, 2010 – the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trustees vacancy.
  • 12th October, 2010 – Childcare in Elsternwick
  • 3rd November, 2010 – A report on meetings with the Melbourne Racing Club & Trustees 

Are we really meant to believe that no-one is responsible for such important issues as the Racecourse, and Childcare and the $42,000,000 GESAC? Why is there not one single name attached to any of these reports? 

One must also wonder at the consistency of some reports. For instance, Newton’s name was on a 23rd February 2010 document on Special and Advisory Committees and delegate appointments. Our layman’s understanding of delegations is that a CEO must remain aloof from any committee nomination. Does this explain why on the 21st September the report seeking replacements for Whiteside on various committees is ‘anonymous’? Further, Paul Burke had previously reported on arrangements for VEC held elections but on the 10th August, 2010 we find that reporting on the VEC role in filling Whiteside’s position has now fallen to the corporate counsel. Mr. Burke is also put down for ‘enquiries’ on such issues as Packer Park under the guise of reporting back on community consultation. His report is far more than a  summary though – it becomes the argument for dismissing community feedback and endorsing the petanque, bocce and bowling green option! 

And what do our good councillors do about all of this? Nothing!!! Reports are allowed to be tabled anonymously and again, not a whimper! It would seem that accountability and responsibility is low down on the list of priorities. We come back again and again to our perennial question – why is it that in so many areas involving governance, accountability and transparency, Glen Eira is always the odd man out?