John Tanner AM begins role as Hobsons Bay municipal monitor

Published on 05 June 2025

Municipal monitor John Tanner AM has begun his time at Hobsons Bay City Council as it continues to strengthen its governance processes and procedures.

Mr Tanner was appointed by local government minister Nick Staikos last week to work with Hobsons Bay until the end of 2025.

As part of his terms of reference, the monitor will assist Council to produce an action plan to remedy legacy deficiencies that have significantly affected the organisation in the areas of procurement, governance, policies and financial delegations.

A new executive team, led by interim chief executive Kerry Thompson, is working to rebuild the culture and processes of the organisation – a process that will be overseen by Mr Tanner.

The findings of an internal staff Listening and Support Process into organisational culture will be released at the end of June. Mr Tanner will also prepare a report for the Minister for Local Government at the end of his tenure as monitor.

Council has appointed Lenny Jenner as the independent chair of the Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters Committee. Mr Jenner is an experienced local government executive, including as the long-term chief executive of the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Mr Jenner will work with councillors to begin the recruitment process for a new chief executive.

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Daria Kellander:

“We have taken meaningful remedial action and made significant progress in resolving long-standing issues. Councillors continue to take these matters seriously.

“Everyone at Council is committed to working with Mr Tanner as we continue on the path to delivering the high standard of service our community pays for and rightfully expects.”

Quotes attributable to municipal monitor John Tanner:

“There has already been significant work go into identifying and addressing the issues at Hobsons Bay, and I’m looking forward to working with the councillors and executive team over the coming months to help the organisation continue that journey so the community can have great faith in its local council.”