Tasmania’s Dorset Council faces an inquiry over conflict of interest claims. 

The Tasmanian government has taken a bold step to address allegations of dubious practices at Dorset Council. 

A newly appointed board of inquiry is set to dig into claims of statutory non-compliance, the mishandling of conflicts of interest, and alleged acts of retaliation against council critics.

Local Government Minister, Nic Street, says that a previous inquiry conducted by the Director of Local Government hinted at the possibility of an “entrenched culture of improper conduct” within the council. The findings of that probe have not been released publicly.  

The investigation, to be helmed by senior barrister Andrew Walker and former Clarence Council general manager Andrew Paul, will focus on complaints made between 2020 and 2022, involving both Dorset councillors and council staff.

Transparency, or the lack thereof, remains a central theme in these allegations. 

The terms of reference reportedly highlight several key areas of concern that the inquiry will explore, including claims that the council fostered a climate of retribution against those daring to challenge its decisions, as well as questions surrounding the effectiveness and openness of the council's decision-making processes.

One of the more concerning allegations that will be under the inquiry's spotlight is the supposed failure of senior officials to properly manage their conflicts of interest. 

During a press conference, Minister Nic Street said the allegations were the most serious he has had to address since assuming the role of Minister for Local Government.

“Maintaining the confidence of communities that governments, including councils, are committed to complying with the law and exercising their authority without bias is of utmost importance in our society,” he said.

While the government is poised to take decisive action, Street is currently weighing the possibility of suspending all Dorset councillors for the duration of the seven-month-long inquiry. 

A final decision on this matter is expected early next week.